Solidarity Rally in Nebraska Draws Hundreds
Hundreds of Nebraskans gathered on U.S. 83 near McCook’s ICE detention facility on Saturday to mark nearly a year since the controversial site was announced by Governor Jim Pillen. The facility, dubbed informally as the “Cornhusker Clink,” was previously a state prison converted into an immigration detention center.
The event, “We Have Not Forgotten: Road to Solidarity,” attracted individuals from various parts of the state, including Lincoln, Omaha, and Kearney. These participants arrived in McCook through transportation organized by ACLU Nebraska, with expectations of attracting 250 to 500 attendees.
Courtnei Swanson, an organizer with Nebraska Voices and a former employee at the facility, emphasized the significant turnout. “It definitely shows that there are more of us who care than you know,” Swanson said, reflecting on the unexpected support in a predominantly conservative state.
Despite some pushback, Swanson remains steadfast in her efforts. “It makes you think, am I doing the right thing? If somebody is this mad about it, is this really the right thing to do? The answer is yes, the answer is yes,” she asserted. However, she noted a general air of indifference among locals.
McCook Facility’s Controversial Transformation
The rally is part of ongoing protests against the transformation of the former McCook Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention facility, a move announced in August 2025 by Gov. Pillen and the Department of Homeland Security. The facility began housing detainees in November 2025, despite legal challenges from Nebraska Appleseed.
A Red Willow County judge allowed the lawsuit challenging the facility to proceed but dismissed it in March. Nebraska Appleseed has since appealed. Meanwhile, ACLU Nebraska has filed federal lawsuits concerning detainee rights and access.
A June investigation revealed financial discrepancies and community division regarding the facility, which some residents support for job creation while others criticize for lack of public consultation.
Voices from the Rally
Mindy Rush Chipman, ACLU Nebraska’s executive director, emphasized the rally’s message to officials, stating, “We’re here today to send a message to our elected officials that we do not support Nebraska being volunteered to be part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation machine.” She countered the misconception that detainees are serious criminals, describing them as “moms, brothers, sisters” integral to communities.
Diane Lyons, a McCook resident, shared insights into local reactions. After the facility’s announcement, rumors and fears of outside agitators spread, but the actual protest turned out to be small. Lyons highlighted how the community valued the Work Ethic Camp’s contributions before its conversion, noting the loss felt by employees who stayed on.
Among the attendees were University of Nebraska students, motivated by personal experiences and a desire for change. Ava Lindstrom, for instance, recounted a local business owner’s deportation as a pivotal moment for her involvement. Emma Risinger criticized the state’s actions as hypocritical, calling for active participation in the democratic process.
Future Implications
While Saturday’s rally was significant, it is unlikely to be the last. Nebraska Voices and ACLU Nebraska plan to continue their advocacy and legal work. Organizers encouraged Nebraskans to express their views through voting, emphasizing the upcoming midterm elections.
Governor Pillen’s office and the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services did not provide comments for this report.
