OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Three weeks after Governor Jim Pillen announced plans to convert a remote state prison in Nebraska into a new immigration detention center, doubts are mounting among lawmakers and residents regarding the lack of a formal agreement. Despite assertions from corrections officials that the facility could start housing male detainees next month, critical questions about the center's operational logistics remain unanswered.
State legislators, who met with officials last week, reported receiving vague responses about the financial implications and oversight necessary for such a transition. There were more questions than answers in terms of what they know, remarked state Senator Wendy DeBoer.
The local community in McCook was caught by surprise by the announcement, which branded the facility the Cornhusker Clink. This aligns with the semi-humorous naming convention seen in other immigration detention centers across the U.S. However, local leaders feel they were given no choice regarding the decision.
Parents and community members in McCook worry about the implications of the center, especially since many local residents have become familiar with the low-level offenders currently housed at the Work Ethic Camp who have contributed positively to community projects.
The Work Ethic Camp has a history of reducing recidivism rates and aiding the transition of inmates back into society, housing about 155 inmates engaged in educational and work programs.
Critics of the governor's approach argue that state law seems to grant him unilateral authority to move forward with the plan, a point contested by several lawmakers. Many community members attended a public hearing to voice their discontent and seek clarification on the plan.
As the state aims to begin housing 200 to 300 detainees, serious considerations about safety, staffing, and funding remain on the table. The full financial impact and operational structure are still unclear, as local legislators push back against what they consider hasty decision-making.
