Nebraska Gov. Pillen Confirms McCook Facility Now Holds ICE Detainees

Nebraska’s decision to utilize the McCook Work Ethic Camp for detaining individuals under U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) custody marks a significant shift in the facility’s use. Governor Jim Pillen announced that operations commenced earlier this week, with the first phase accommodating up to 200 detainees. As of Thursday, around 50-60 detainees were housed at the camp, with expectations to reach full capacity by Thanksgiving.

Governor Pillen further detailed plans for a second phase of construction, which will introduce an additional 100 beds by early 2026. This expansion follows recent federal government approval for the project bid. During his recent engagement, Pillen discussed the project with McCook Mayor Linda Taylor.

The transformation of the McCook Work Ethic Camp into an immigration detention center has sparked legal challenges. Local residents have filed a lawsuit aiming to halt the facility’s new function. However, their request for a temporary injunction to pause ICE’s use was rejected by a Red Willow District Court Judge.

Mindy Rush Chipman, Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Nebraska, expressed the organization’s ongoing commitment to opposing the detention center. “We will do everything in our power to ensure basic rights are respected in this facility, and we will continue to work alongside our communities to urge our governor to reverse course and end this disgraceful stunt,” she stated.