McCOOK, Neb. (WOWT) – Any day now, immigration detainees will arrive at a former minimum-security facility in central Nebraska.
A Red Willow County district court judge removed the last legal hurdle Monday.
The McCook facility, located about four hours southwest of Omaha in a community of 7,200 people, required the transfer of nearly 200 inmates in recent weeks to make way for Homeland Security detainees. The inmate relocations led to a lawsuit and uncertainty before the court cleared the way for the governor’s plan.
Facility upgrades & security changes
A new 12-foot fence topped with razor wire surrounds the facility at a cost of $750,000. Another $5 million in renovations were made to rooms and security systems not visible from the highway — and media access to the facility has been restricted.
Since 2001, the facility served as one of the last stops stop for men who had been through the Nebraska prison system. Those inmates were given more grace at the Work Ethic Camp than at any other stop. Inmates received rehabilitation opportunities including working on road crews, mowing, and taking classes to prepare for life after incarceration.
Those programs will no longer operate at the location.
The governor insists that transforming the facility into an ICE detention center serves the greater good — that it allows Nebraska to play a key role in keeping the nation safe by supporting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Any day now, immigration detainees will arrive at a former minimum-security facility in central Nebraska.
Staffing & operations
The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services will run and manage the facility. Work Ethic Camp employees can remain at the ICE detention center if they complete additional training.
Additionally, dozens of new employees will be hired and trained. Local business owners said the staffing changes will benefit the area economy.
Homeland Security will pay the state $2.5 million monthly under a two-year contract. The governor believes the deal could generate $14 million annually for Nebraska.
With the targeted open date set for this week — activity at the facility appeared to be ramping up Monday. There were multiple deliveries and personnel movements on Monday.
Corrections security personnel said that they have been monitoring the area for what officials described as “potential stunts” by those opposed to the ICE detention facility.
Lawsuit filed
Thirteen locals signed off on the lawsuit against the governor. They didn’t want the Work Ethic Camp to change. They also questioned the lack of transparency to the governor’s plan – arguing the governor didn’t have the power to create a contract with Immigration and Customs Enforcement without the Legislature’s input.
The judge disagreed and rejected the injunction request, but he did not dismiss the case, meaning they could still win the argument at trial.
“We are motivated to try to stop the transition as soon as possible,” said Robbie McEwen, Nebraska Appleseed Legal Director.
In a response today, Pillen said the agreement with the feds is good for Nebraska taxpayers and “ensures we are doing all we can to keep illegals of our streets.”
Pillen said the state will net around $14 million a year for the contract, which lasts two years.
