OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — A minimum-security state prison in McCook has been refurbished to function as a federal immigration detention center, beginning its operations with about 50 to 60 detainees earlier this week. Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen announced that the facility aims to reach full capacity of 200 detainees by Thanksgiving, with plans to expand to accommodate a total of 300 by early next year.
Previously known as the McCook Work Ethic Camp, the facility was utilized for the rehabilitation of low-level offenders who engaged in educational and community service programs. With the transition, those offenders were either released or transferred to other facilities, namely community corrections centers in Omaha and Lincoln.
This development comes amid ongoing national debates regarding immigration policies, particularly under the Trump administration's crackdown efforts. The facility has been colloquially dubbed the Cornhusker Clink, in a playful nod to Nebraska's nickname.
While state officials advocate for this conversion as a response to overcrowded prisons, community members and former lawmakers have filed a lawsuit against the state, citing concerns over the constitutional authority governing state prisons. As the state navigates through these changes, legal and community dynamics continue to evolve.
