Nebraska’s New ICE Detention Center in McCook: What It Means for Due Process, Families, and Communities
The federal government has announced plans for a 280-bed ICE detention facility in McCook, Nebraska, repurposing the former Work Ethic Camp. State leaders like Governor Jim Pillen support the project as part of a larger immigration enforcement strategy that includes 287(g) agreements and National Guard deployments. But advocates warn the center could undermine due process, separate families, and destabilize Nebraska communities. This post examines how the McCook detention center may affect immigrants, families, and the state as a whole—and why legal representation is more important than ever.
A Major Shift in Nebraska’s Immigration Landscape
The McCook ICE detention center represents Nebraska’s first large-scale, ICE-operated facility. It signals a deeper alignment between state and federal enforcement priorities. Through the 287(g) program, Nebraska law enforcement officers are empowered to perform federal immigration duties, essentially deputizing local police.
For supporters, this represents stronger border security and stricter enforcement. For immigrant families and their advocates, it represents a system that risks sacrificing fairness, family unity, and community well-being.
Due Process and Legal Access Concerns
One of the most urgent concerns is how the McCook facility will affect detainees’ ability to exercise their legal rights.
No guaranteed lawyers: Unlike criminal defendants, immigrants in detention do not receive court-appointed attorneys. They must hire private counsel or seek help from underfunded nonprofits.
Geographic isolation: McCook is in rural Southwest Nebraska, far from immigration attorneys who are mostly based in Omaha and Lincoln. Distance creates barriers to communication and access to representation.
ICE’s history in Nebraska: There are documented cases where ICE kept individuals in custody even after judges granted bond. In effect, this creates indefinite detention without accountability.
ICE increasingly aims to detain individuals for the entirety of their proceedings—a process that can last years. For detainees without representation, the odds of successfully defending their case drop dramatically.
Family Separation and Community Disruption
Nebraska is home to about 140,000 immigrants, including 2,300 TPS holders. Many live in mixed-status families where U.S. citizens and noncitizens share a household. When one family member is detained, the consequences are immediate and far-reaching.
Children experience trauma when a parent or caregiver is taken. Many of these children are U.S. citizens.
Families lose income, often falling into financial crisis overnight.
Communities suffer instability, as fear spreads among neighbors, classmates, and coworkers.
Recent ICE raids, including the July 2025 Omaha operation that resulted in dozens of arrests (many of people without criminal records), highlight how quickly communities can be shaken. The McCook facility risks making these disruptions routine.
The Economic and Civic Impact
Immigrants are a backbone of Nebraska’s workforce, particularly in agriculture, meatpacking, construction, and food processing. According to the American Immigration Council, immigrants in Nebraska contribute:
$43 million annually in state and local taxes
Billions of dollars in spending power through immigrant-led households
Removing workers through detention or deportation not only hurts families but also weakens Nebraska’s economy.
Beyond dollars and cents, enforcement-driven fear erodes civic trust. Families afraid of ICE are less likely to report crimes, seek medical care, or enroll their children in schools and programs. This undercuts public safety and public health across the state.
Nebraska at a Crossroads
The McCook detention center is more than a facility—it’s a reflection of Nebraska’s priorities. Will the state embrace policies that prioritize enforcement at any cost, or will it demand a system that respects due process, protects families, and values community stability?
A fair immigration system must include access to legal counsel, respect for judicial decisions, and safeguards for children and families. Without those, Nebraska risks weakening its communities and undermining justice.
If you or a loved one are detained by ICE or facing immigration proceedings in Nebraska, it’s critical to get legal advice immediately. Contact our office today for a confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the McCook ICE detention center?
It is a new federal immigration detention facility in McCook, Nebraska, with capacity for 280 detainees. It will be operated by ICE and repurpose the former Work Ethic Camp.
Why are civil rights groups opposed to the facility?
Organizations like the ACLU of Nebraska and Nebraska Appleseed cite concerns about due process violations, prolonged detention, family separation, and economic harm to Nebraska communities.
Will detainees have lawyers?
No. Immigration law does not guarantee free legal counsel. Detainees must hire attorneys privately or seek nonprofit legal aid, which is often limited.
How long can someone be detained?
There is no guaranteed timeline. Immigration proceedings can last months or years, and ICE policies increasingly favor detention throughout the entire process.
What is the 287(g) program?
The 287(g) program allows ICE to delegate immigration enforcement powers to state and local law enforcement, effectively making local police part of federal enforcement efforts.
How do immigrants contribute to Nebraska’s economy?
Immigrants contribute tens of millions in state and local taxes annually and provide billions in spending power. They are also essential to Nebraska’s agricultural and industrial workforce.