Federal Authorities Transform Local Jail Into Immigration Detention Center Overnight Suddenly
In McCook, Nebraska, a minimum-security state prison has been repurposed as a high-security Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center. The facility, previously known as the Work Ethic Camp, was dedicated to rehabilitating nonviolent felony offenders. It provided counseling, schooling, and job training to prepare inmates for release.
The prison’s transformation was announced by state officials in the fall, with the goal of supporting President Donald Trump’s immigration crackdown. The new detention center has been named “The Cornhusker Clink” and will house up to 300 detainees.
Residents of McCook, a town of approximately 7,500 people, have mixed opinions on the change. Some support the new facility, citing the potential for added jobs and the town’s role in supporting the president’s agenda. Others are concerned about the strain on local resources and the impact on the community.
The decision to repurpose the prison was made by Governor Jim Pillen, who has stated that the facility will benefit the state and help keep “criminal, illegal aliens” off the streets. However, some residents and a former state legislator have sued the governor, arguing that he did not have the authority to make the change.
The ICE facility began housing detainees in early November, with an average of 28 men being held daily. The state has signed a contract with the federal government, which includes a one-time fee of $5.9 million for renovations and monthly payments of $2.5 million over a two-year period.
The transformation of the prison has raised concerns among residents, who are worried about the potential consequences for the community. The town’s small airport, which has only one full-time employee, may be affected by the transportation of detainees. The city manager has expressed concerns about the impact on the town’s reputation and resources.