Gov. Jim Pillen confirms ICE detention facility in McCook is housing inmates

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen on Thursday said the ICE regional detention center in McCook is operational and housing detainees.

During a press conference, Pillen told reporters that detainees began arriving at the Work Ethic Camp on Monday night.

After speaking with the Mayor of McCook on Tuesday, Pillen estimated that there were 50 to 60 detainees at the facility.

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Pillen expects about 200 inmates in the facility before Thanksgiving, which aligns with phase one of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s plans for the facility.

“The second phase is another 100 beds,” Pillen said. “There is work that just got approved for the bid with the federal government, and I would expect that the second phase will be ready in the first part of the new year.”

SEE ALSO: Nebraska publishes contract with DHS to use Work Ethic Camp as ICE detention center

The facility will continue to be owned and operated by NDCS, in accordance with the initial contract that runs through Sept. 29, 2027.

Use of the facility will net the state around $14 million annually, according to Pillen.

Taking into consideration all costs associated with housing detainees, Pillen said the state will receive $2.4 million per month.