Nebraska's Controversial Shift: State Prison to Immigration Detention Center Amid Public Concerns

Tue Sep 30 2025 07:55:35 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The plan to convert Nebraska's McCook Work Ethic Camp into an immigration detention center has raised skepticism among lawmakers and residents, as details regarding costs and staffing remain unclear.

As Nebraska's Governor Jim Pillen proposes the transformation of a state prison into an immigration detention center, local leaders and citizens express concern over the lack of transparency around costs, staffing, and operational readiness. This move, justified during a heightened push for immigration enforcement, faces backlash in a community accustomed to rehabilitation rather than detention.

OMAHA, Neb. — In a controversial decision, Nebraska's Governor Jim Pillen has announced plans to convert the McCook Work Ethic Camp, a minimum-security prison, into a new immigration detention center, amidst growing concerns from local lawmakers and residents.

Despite assurances from corrections officials that the facility could house up to 300 detainees starting as soon as next month, significant questions remain unanswered regarding the costs, staffing, and oversight for this transition. “There were more unanswered questions than answered questions,” noted state Senator Wendy DeBoer following a briefing with state officials.

Local leaders were taken aback by the announcement made in mid-August, calling it a unilateral decision that left no room for community input. Mike O’Dell, publisher of the McCook Gazette, expressed frustration, emphasizing that the decision was made without consulting city officials. “City leaders were given absolutely no choice in the matter,” O'Dell stated.

McCook, with a population of about 7,000, had previously supported a correctional facility that engaged low-level offenders in work and educational programs, fostering integration into the community. Following the transformation to a detention center, concerns about the facility’s increased capacity and safety are escalating. While these detainees are often viewed with skepticism by some in the community, familiarity and concern for their welfare persist among residents.

Pillen asserts that state law grants him authority over the corrections department, countering claims that require legislative approval for such a significant shift in operation. Yet, a formal agreement between the state and federal agencies is still pending, adding to lawmakers' worries about potential overreach and mismanagement.

Senator Terrell McKinney has advocated for oversight, asking important questions about the adequacy of the facility to handle larger groups without compromising security. Many residents and lawmakers are opposing the transition, seeking clearer communication and transparency in the face of an evolving immigration enforcement strategy under the current administration.

This situation highlights a growing tension between local governance, community sentiments, and federal immigration policy, reflecting wider national debates around immigration reform and the treatment of detainees.