Governor Jim Pillen has confirmed that Nebraska has officially signed a two-year agreement with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to convert the Work Ethic Camp in McCook into a federal immigration detention facility, nicknamed the “Cornhusker Clink.” The state expects the facility to begin housing detainees by November 1st.
The center will hold up to 300 federal detainees awaiting deportation under President Donald Trump’s immigration enforcement initiative. According to the contract, the federal government will pay Nebraska $269 per detainee per day, generating about $2.4 million per month, or roughly $30 million per year. With operating costs estimated at $10.2 million annually, state officials say the arrangement could bring in a net gain of more than $14 million a year.
Governor Pillen praised the deal, calling it a way to “maximize fiscal benefit for the State of Nebraska” amid a projected $311 million state budget shortfall. The agreement, signed by Corrections Director Rob Jeffreys on September 30th, also includes a $5.8 million renovation plan and an increase in staffing from 97 to 171 full-time employees.
The decision has not been without controversy. Local residents in McCook say they were not consulted before the announcement, and thirteen residents filed a lawsuit against the governor and corrections officials, arguing that the project oversteps legislative authority. A Red Willow County judge has denied a temporary restraining order but scheduled a hearing for October 24th to consider a full injunction.
According to the state, all inmates previously housed at the Work Ethic Camp have been relocated, and construction is nearly complete, including a 12-foot security fence, upgraded translation and security systems, and virtual hearing facilities. Despite the opposition, the Cornhusker Clink is still expected to open as scheduled next month.
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