US EditionNebraska plan for an immigrant detention center faces backlash and uncertainty
The Work Ethic Camp, designed for 100 but housing 155 inmates, is set to become a detention center for 200-300 immigrants, raising public opposition and legislative concerns.
- On Friday, Nebraska's Urban Affairs Committee held a hearing where over 200 people opposed repurposing the McCook Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention center.
- Governor Jim Pillen announced the plan in mid-August to convert the minimum-security prison into a Midwest hub for immigration detainees, sparking political division and legal questions.
- Testimony included religious leaders expressing moral concerns, students warning about family impacts, and officials citing overcrowding and unanswered questions about staffing and contracts.
- Sen. Terrell McKinney criticized absent state officials, while NDCS said the center would house 200 to 300 detainees with added staff and security upgrades but no contract was finalized.
- The plan’s controversy suggests ongoing uncertainty over its authority and impact, with lawmakers and communities voicing strong opposition and calls for greater transparency.
40 Articles
40 Articles
Nebraskans vent about 'Cornhusker Clink' facility
LINCOLN — A few dozen Nebraskans over a four-hour legislative hearing Friday vented frustrations over the state's plan to convert a McCook prison into the "Cornhusker Clink" detention facility for Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
The Norfolk Daily News
Conversion of McCook facility into ICE detention hub draws overflow hearing, statewide concerns
McCOOK, Neb. — Business has slumped at the Carniceria CB mini market and Mexican restaurant, its owners said, since Gov. Jim Pillen’s announcement last month that Nebraska is bringing a federal immigration detention facility to town. Miguel and Mayra Camacho…
More than 50 testify against proposed Nebraska ICE facility
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — The repurposing of the Work Ethic Camp near McCook into an immigrant detention center was on the discussion table Friday at a legislative hearing. The Urban Affairs Committee heard concerns from people all over the state about why the facility doesn’t belong in Nebraska. “I have to fight back; that was my immediate reaction,” longtime Grand...
Lincoln Journal Star
Star-HeraldNebraskans line up to blast ICE's planned 'Cornhusker Clink' as Pillen skips hearing
Nebraskans lined up to blast Gov. Jim Pillen's plan to turn a state prison into an ICE detention center at a public hearing that Pillen skipped.
Associated Press News
Nebraska plan for an immigrant detention center faces backlash and uncertainty
Some Nebraska lawmakers and residents say the Republican governor's plan to convert a prison into an immigration detention center has come with few details about the transition.
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