OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Three weeks after the announcement, no formal agreement has been signed to convert a state prison in Nebraska into an immigration detention center. As both lawmakers and residents express skepticism, state corrections officials assert that the McCook Work Ethic Camp could accommodate hundreds of male detainees by next month, retrofitting unused spaces for the purpose.
State Senator Wendy DeBoer shared concerns after a briefing from state officials, citing a significant number of unanswered questions about the costs, staffing, and oversight of the facility. “There were more unanswered questions than answered questions,” DeBoer stated.
Local officials, including city leaders in McCook, felt blindsided when Governor Jim Pillen announced the transition of the prison to a center dubbed the Cornhusker Clink, mirroring other creatively named facilities like Alligator Alcatraz in Florida. Mike O’Dell, publisher of the local newspaper, emphasized the lack of local input in the decision-making process.
While the local populace largely supported Trump's 2024 election campaign, they have become accustomed to the presence of low-level offenders from the camp contributing to communal projects. O’Dell noted, “People here have gotten to know them,” indicating a desire for transparency in the treatment of these detainees.
The Work Ethic Camp, operational since 2001, currently hosts around 155 inmates who engage in rehabilitation programs. However, issues surrounding the facility's ability to accommodate 200-300 detainees arise, especially with the state already facing criticisms over prison overcrowding and staffing shortages.
State lawmakers raised concerns that the plan seems rushed, with some questioning the legality of the governor’s unilateral decision to convert the facility for federal use without legislative approval. A recent public hearing called by state Sen. Terrell McKinney focused on the safety and building code implications of such a transition.
Despite assurances from the governor’s office about federal reimbursement for conversion costs, skepticism remains high among constituents, leading to widespread opposition at community meetings. Governor Pillen maintains his legal grounds for the decision, stating that corrections fall under executive branch authority.
