Nebraska plans to open a new immigration detention center, the “Cornhusker Clink,” in McCook, a small town known for its open prairies. Governor Jim Pillen announced this on Tuesday, aiming to address the rising number of immigrants awaiting deportation. The facility will initially house 200 people, with potential for expansion to 300.
This center will use an existing minimum-security prison work camp. It’s about 210 miles from Lincoln and is expected to serve multiple states in the Midwest. Pillen emphasized that the goal is to keep Nebraskans safe. He also mentioned that local law enforcement, including the Nebraska National Guard, will assist federal immigration agents.
The recent spike in immigration arrests is a major concern. In June, ICE held over 56,000 immigrants, the highest number since 2019. Nationwide, several states are ramping up their detention facilities, like Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz,” which can house 3,000 detainees.
Critics are already raising alarm about the new center. State Senator Megan Hunt voiced concerns over the lack of transparency regarding its operation. She called for public awareness and support for immigrant rights groups.
Public sentiment appears divided. Some residents believe resources should focus on issues like child hunger and homelessness instead of expanding immigration enforcement. This sentiment echoes growing social media movements that challenge current immigration policies and practices.
As the situation unfolds, it’s clear that the Cornhusker Clink will be a focal point in discussions about immigration and community safety in Nebraska. For a look at broader data on immigration trends, see the recent report from the Pew Research Center.
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Nebraska, Donald Trump, Immigrant detention, General news, Kristi Noem, Jim Pillen, Prisons, Immigration, Ron DeSantis, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, NE State Wire, United States government, Washington news, Rob Jeffreys, Megan Hunt, U.S. news, Politics, U.S. Department of Homeland Security