‘It’s beyond crazy’: Nebraskans react to report that next ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ will be here

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Nebraskans weighed in Tuesday on the possibility of a new immigrant detention center in the state.

Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” is the Trump administration’s first facility used solely to detain migrants.

It has 3,000 beds and is located at an airport for easy transportation access.

In an interview with CBS News, Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem said she hopes to add more of these facilities across the U.S.

On Tuesday, the Department of Homeland Security announced a new detention center in Indiana, which will be called the “Speedway Slammer.”

CBS reported that Nebraska is one of three states that are being considered for the next site.

Sen. Pete Ricketts said he’s unaware of the plans but supports President Donald Trump’s tough immigration policies.

“Part of what the One Big Beautiful Bill does is not only creates funds to build a border wall, but also these detention facilities,” he said. “I’ve not heard that any are coming to Nebraska, but this is part of why President Trump was elected: to be able to clean up the mess of the Biden administration when he had his open border policies.”

Gov. Jim Pillen’s office also weighed in on Nebraska’s involvement.

A spokeswoman said in a statement that Pillen is committed to keeping Americans safe.

“The Governor, and his administration, continues to be in communication with federal partners on how Nebraska can best assist in these efforts,” Laura Strimple said. “At this time, it is premature to comment on potential detention operations.”

But Nebraskans aren’t as enthusiastic about the idea.

Shawn voiced his opinion on the NOW Local News app.

“It’s just something that’s not needed here,” he said. “It’s beyond crazy that’s something they would even think to have in Nebraska.”

A nonscientific poll conducted by Channel 8 got more than 450 votes.

Around 25% of people said they would support an immigration detention center in the state, while 75% said they would not.

“We don’t need to place immigrants in prison,” said Kylen Borders, a Lincoln resident. “That’s just not OK.”