The Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska, has transitioned from a facility focused on rehabilitating nonviolent offenders to a high-security Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. This change, announced in October 2023, reflects a significant shift in priorities as part of President Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigration. The new detention center will accommodate 300 detainees, marking a departure from the prison’s previous mission of preparing inmates for reintegration into society.
For over two decades, the Work Ethic Camp served as Nebraska’s only state prison dedicated to rehabilitation. Inmates engaged with the community by participating in various projects, including road paving, cemetery maintenance, and preparing local sports fields. They also benefitted from educational opportunities at the local community college, and an art gallery showcased works from 13 prisoners this past summer.
This transformation has sparked a mixed response from residents of McCook, a conservative town with a population of approximately 7,500. While some locals support the new ICE facility, viewing it as a means to contribute to the president’s immigration agenda and potentially create 50 to 60 jobs, others express concern over losing a rehabilitation-focused institution. They appreciate the Work Ethic Camp’s close ties to the community, which allowed inmates to reintegrate successfully and contribute positively.
Opponents of the decision have voiced their frustration regarding the unilateral action taken by Governor Jim Pillen to repurpose the facility. City officials are particularly concerned about the potential strain on local resources, especially with the logistics of transporting hundreds of detainees through the town’s small airport, which operates with only one full-time employee.
The renamed facility, now referred to as “The Cornhusker Clink,” represents not only a shift in purpose but also in the community’s identity. Residents who once viewed the prison as a space for second chances now grapple with its new function as a detention center. The change has prompted discussions about the balance between supporting federal initiatives and maintaining local values rooted in rehabilitation and community engagement.
As McCook prepares for this transformation, the town faces questions about the long-term implications for its residents and the detainees who will soon call it home. The outcome of this shift in policy will likely resonate beyond the borders of Nebraska, reflecting broader national debates on immigration, criminal justice reform, and community responsibility.
