Rising Complaints Prompt Retirement of Top INS Official

The city’s top Immigration and Naturalization Service official, under fire for the agency’s treatment of foreign visitors, will retire in two weeks, the agency announced Tuesday.

Elected officials called for the resignation of David Beebe, 55, last month after a Chinese businesswoman was strip-searched and later jailed for two days after inspectors incorrectly thought her passport might have been altered.

Under Beebe’s watch, the city was dubbed “Deportland” by some Asians because of reports of unfair treatment of Japanese and other travelers at Portland International Airport.

Beebe’s retirement takes effect Oct. 3, said Johnny Williams, western regional director of the INS.

Williams also said a team of experts has recommended improving customer service, employee training and community relations.

Delta Air Lines announced this month that it is discontinuing its last two direct flights from Portland to Japan, and it said the treatment of foreigners by INS officials here was a factor in its decision.