What the McCook ICE Facility means for Nebraska
September 4, 2025
What happened
Last month, Nebraska leaders announced plans to convert the McCook Work Ethic Camp — once designed for rehabilitation — into a new immigration detention center. The facility could hold up to 300 immigrants, making it part of a nationwide expansion of ICE detention that will nearly triple capacity across the country.
How Nebraskans have responded
The announcement blindsided McCook residents and sparked immediate opposition. Hundreds gathered outside the Governor’s Mansion in Lincoln. Advocates, faith leaders, and immigrant families spoke out about the fear, the costs to taxpayers, and the damage to trust in our communities.
What elected officials said
Gov. Jim Pillen defended the facility as a matter of “public safety.” U.S. Sen. Pete Ricketts called it “a great fit for ICE’s needs.” U.S. Reps. Mike Flood and Adrian Smith offered early support as well.
But others see it very differently.
State Sen. Ashlei Spivey accused Nebraska’s leaders of jumping on the “divisive bandwagon that is ripping women and children away from their communities and jobs.”
State Sen. Terrell McKinney warned that “at a time when Nebraska is facing a budget crisis, this project is not only unaffordable but also the wrong priority for our state.”
State State Sen. Megan Hunt and Douglas County Commissioner Roger Garcia warned the detention center will do more harm than good — especially for Nebraska’s Hispanic communities.
Across the state, many leaders are demanding more transparency.
What this means for real people
Behind the headlines are families left wondering if their loved ones are even more vulnerable than before.
Increased ICE enforcement means children are left asking where mom or dad went. It means neighbors become afraid to go to work, school, or even call the police when they need help.
We’ve seen firsthand how devastating this is. At least seven people remain in custody from the June raid at Glenn Valley Foods despite being granted bond.
And because of McCook’s remote location, many will face detention without access to an attorney — cut off from the due process that is their right.
Where we go from here
This story is far from over. Thousands have signed petitions, joined protests, and urged leaders to change course.
At CIRA, our position is clear: Jails aren’t justice. Justice means fighting for fairness, dignity, and due process, while equipping our neighbors with legal aid and resources.
What you can do
Contact your elected officials to let them know Nebraska deserves immigration policies that keep families together, not separate them.
Contact the governor and your members of Congress today:
Gov. Jim Pillen: 402-471-2244
Rep. Don Bacon: 402-938-0300
Rep. Mike Flood: 402-438-1598
Rep. Adrian Smith: 308-384-3900
Sen. Deb Fischer: 402-441-4600
Sen. Pete Ricketts: 402-550-8040
To empower immigrants and refugees to live confidently through high-quality legal representation, resettlement, and social work and to create welcoming communities through education and advocacy.
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