Nebraska protesters rally against expanded ICE detention facility

Protesters recently traveled from Omaha to rural McCook, Nebraska, to demonstrate against the expansion of an ICE detention facility. The protest marks one year since Governor Jim Pillen announced an agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to convert the state’s rehabilitative Work Ethic Camp into a 300-bed jail for migrants.

Despite legal challenges from local residents and opposition from some state lawmakers, the facility began accepting foreign-born detainees in November. Data from the Deportation Data Project indicates the daily population fluctuated between 100 and 171 detainees through March. Renovations to reach the full 300-bed capacity are expected to be completed later this summer.

Financially, the state has received $14.6 million to date, consisting of $9.3 million for occupied beds and $5.3 million for equipment and vehicles. While Governor Pillen previously projected a monthly base fee of $2.45 million from the federal government, the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services noted that higher payments may occur once the facility reaches full capacity. A spokesperson for the governor stated that the administration remains committed to the partnership to ensure the secure detention of individuals accused of criminal or civil violations.