Nebraska Lawmakers Clash Over Plan to Convert State Prison into Migrant Detention Center

Strategic Insights -

State lawmakers in Nebraska are in a heated dispute with Governor Jim Pillen over his plan to convert a state prison into a migrant detention center for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). The proposal, which would turn the Work Ethic Camp in McCook into a 300-bed facility, has sparked widespread criticism and protests from lawmakers, activists, and community members.

Key Takeaways:

  • State Sen. Carolyn Bosn, chair of the Judiciary Committee, has declined to hold a public hearing on the proposal, citing the executive branch's responsiveness to legislative questions.
  • 13 progressive lawmakers have sent a list of questions to Bosn, seeking answers on the legality of Pillen's plan and the government's oversight of executive branch agencies.
  • The lawmakers argue that the proposal violates the Nebraska Constitution's Article IV, Section 19, which grants the Legislature exclusive authority over state prisons.
  • Nebraska Appleseed has collected over 18,000 signatures from across the state, urging Governor Pillen to halt the plans and hold a public hearing.
  • Lawmakers and activists have criticized the proposal, labeling it an "internment camp" and expressing concerns over the treatment of migrants.
  • State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh described the proposal as reminiscent of the internment camps during World War II.

Statistics:

  • The Work Ethic Camp in McCook has a state budget of $9.5 million and about 85 staff members.
  • As of August 19, the facility housed 186 Nebraskans in dormitory-style housing.
  • The proposed migrant detention center would have a capacity of approximately 300 beds.
  • Over 18,000 Nebraskans have signed a petition opposing the proposal.

Sources:

  • [1] (https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/bosn-letter.pdf) A letter from State Sen. Carolyn Bosn responding to lawmakers' questions.
  • [2] (https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Request-for-Interim-Study-Hearing.docx.pdf) A letter from 13 lawmakers requesting a public hearing.
  • [3] (https://news.legislature.ne.gov/lpa/) Legislative Oversight Committee.
  • [4] (https://corrections.nebraska.gov/facilities/work-ethic-camp) Work Ethic Camp facts.
  • [5] (https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/08/21/what-we-know-about-nebraska-ice-plan-to-retool-mccook-work-ethic-camp-lawmaker-reactions/) "What to know about Nebraska-ICE plan to retool McCook Work Ethic Camp" by Nebraska Examiner.
  • [6] (https://nebraskaexaminer.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/nebraska-appleseed-ICE-petition-signers.jpeg) A map of Nebraskans who signed a petition led by Nebraska Appleseed.