The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced a new partnership with the state of Nebraska to expand detention space for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This collaboration will provide up to 280 additional beds at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska. The facility is intended to house individuals identified as criminal illegal aliens who have been arrested by ICE.
The expansion is supported by legislation known as the One Big Beautiful Bill, which fully funded the 287(g) program and provided resources for an additional 80,000 detention beds nationwide for ICE operations.
Secretary Noem commented on the development, stating, “COMING SOON to Nebraska: Cornhusker Clink. Today, we’re announcing a new partnership with the state of Nebraska to expand detention bed space by 280 beds. Thanks to Governor Pillen for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Nebraska’s Cornhusker Clink. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App.”
Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen expressed support for federal immigration enforcement initiatives: “Today the State of Nebraska is stepping up its support of President Trump’s and Secretary Noem’s immigration enforcement initiatives in several key ways. I am pleased that our facility and team in McCook can be tasked with helping our federal partners protect our homeland by housing criminal illegal aliens roaming our country’s communities today. I am also proud that the Nebraska State Patrol and National Guard will be assisting ICE enforcement efforts, as well. Homeland security starts at home, and, just as when I twice deployed troops to secure our southern border during the failed Biden administration, Nebraska will continue to do its part.”
The agreement also involves further cooperation from state agencies. The Nebraska State Patrol plans to sign a 287(g) agreement enabling troopers to assist ICE in enforcing immigration laws within the state. Additionally, Governor Pillen has directed about 20 Army National Guard soldiers to provide administrative and logistical support for local ICE operations; training for these personnel is scheduled to begin within a week.
This marks DHS’s third such partnership following similar agreements involving facilities known as Alligator Alcatraz and Speedway Slammer.
