Nebraska's Controversial Immigration Detention Center Plan Raises Questions

Sat Sep 13 2025 11:11:06 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Nebraska officials push to convert a minimum-security prison into an immigration detention center, but concerns about cost and staffing remain unresolved as local lawmakers and citizens express skepticism.

A state prison in McCook, Nebraska, is slated to become an immigration detention center, but key details remain unclear more than three weeks after the announcement. While local officials and residents express concern over the transition from a facility that currently houses low-level offenders, state leaders insist they have the authority to proceed without a signed agreement. Lawmakers are worried about potential overcrowding and safety issues as plans unfold.

OMAHA, Neb. — Plans to convert a remote state prison in Nebraska into a new immigration detention center have become the subject of local skepticism, with no formal agreement signed yet despite the announcement being made over three weeks ago. Officials state the McCook Work Ethic Camp could begin housing hundreds of male detainees next month.

However, lawmakers were left with more questions than answers concerning costs, staffing, and oversight after a briefing with state officials. There were more unanswered questions than answered questions in terms of what they know,” remarked State Senator Wendy DeBoer.

The proposal by Governor Jim Pillen caught McCook city officials off guard in mid-August. The facility, which has gained the nickname “Cornhusker Clink,” is part of an effort to address federal calls for more immigration detention space. City leaders felt sidelined in the decision-making process.

Mike O’Dell, publisher of the McCook Gazette, highlighted that local leaders were given no choice in the matter. Many in the town of about 7,000 have adapted to low-level offenders from the camp working alongside them in various community roles. O’Dell expressed concerns over where the recent detainees would be placed and the community's readiness for this change.

The Work Ethic Camp has been operational since 2001 and is known for successful programs aimed at reducing recidivism. Currently, it houses around 155 inmates but is reportedly capable of accommodating 200-300 detainees under the new plan.

Lawmakers have voiced alarm over Governor Pillen's unilateral decision, questioning the authority he holds and citing safety concerns regarding the capacity increase. Pillen maintains that state law allows him to proceed unilaterally. While local residents turned out at a recent hearing mostly opposing the transition, state officials have yet to address many critical concerns raised.