ICE detention center in McCook not opening by Nov. 1, Pillen confirms
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Gov. Jim Pillen on Tuesday said the ICE detention center in McCook won’t be operational by Nov. 1.
While leading a trade mission in Israel, Pillen told reporters he had been updated on the new timeline before he left, but didn’t have any specifics.
“It took a little bit — a couple things with the last walk-throughs from the Department of Homeland Security,” Pillen said. “I think — what I can tell you — it’s going to be imminent. As soon as we get the definitive date, we will let everybody know.”
This news comes after the facility passed its final walkthrough by ICE inspectors on Thursday.
SEE ALSO: Work Ethic Camp in McCook passes final inspection by ICE
According to Pillen, the final security upgrades were among the last steps before the facility became operational.
“Getting the final pieces pulled together has admittedly been a little bit of a moving target and has been made more difficult with the Schumer shutdown,” Pillen said in a press release. “Given the many tasks that had to be completed, including the transfer of remaining inmates, building modifications, training of staff and other components, we have made significant progress.”
On Monday, a district judge in Red Willow County issued two rulings in the lawsuit against Pillen and the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services.
The lawsuit — filed by Nebraska Appleseed on behalf of former State Sen. DiAnna Schimek and 13 McCook residents — sought a temporary restraining order and a temporary injunction to stop Gov. Jim Pillen and the NDCS from turning the Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention facility.
District Judge Patrick Heng “overruled and denied” the defendants’ motion to dismiss the case and the plaintiffs’ motion for a temporary injunction.
The ruling means the lawsuit can continue, but the ICE detention facility will proceed to open.
The facility will continue to be owned and operated by NDCS, in accordance with the initial contract that runs through Sept. 29, 2027.
SEE ALSO: Nebraska publishes contract with DHS to use Work Ethic Camp as ICE detention center
Additional modifications to the facility will allow it to house up to 300 detainees.
With the increase in population, staffing will also increase to provide coverage in repurposed spaces and housing units, as well as for transportation needs.
“Once operational, this facility will be key in providing regional support to ICE officials who are working tirelessly to identify illegal criminals and get them off our streets,” Pillen said. “Every state is a border state. Nebraska is going to do its part to make sure that our nation, and Nebraskans, are safe and secure.”
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.
This is a developing story. Check back with Channel 8 for updates.
