‘We love the immigrants’: Nebraska grandparents protest McCook ICE facility

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A group called “Pissed Off Grandmas” gathered outside of the governor’s mansion for a protest on Monday.

The protest comes just a couple of weeks after Gov. Jim Pillen announced that the ICE detention facility in McCook was operational.

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

The women spoke out against the ICE facility, holding signs and songbooks as they sang a message to the people of Nebraska.

“It’s just an effective way of bringing joy and humor and smiles,” Marilyn Hooper said. “But the social message that we give out about what is happening in this country, it’s very important.”

Hooper said what’s happening in McCook is wrong.

“We stand with immigrants as being our friends,” Hooper said. “We love the immigrants.”

Channel 8 reached out to Pillen’s office by phone and email on Monday, but there was no response.

The so-called “Cornhusker Clink” could hold up to 200 detainees by Thanksgiving.

SEE ALSO: Nebraska judge issues two rulings in lawsuit against ICE facility in McCook

“People are, in most cases, not lawbreakers; they’re law-abiders,” said Rex Walton, who was at the protest. “They pay their taxes; they’re community servants; they take care of their families. And now, they’re in prison for months at a time.”

Hooper said the protest shows that people in her generation want to stand up for what they believe in.

“If you think you’re too old to make a difference, please get active and do something and join in,” she said.