US EditionCourt Clears Way for ‘Cornhusker Clink’ to Open in Nebraska
Judge Heng allowed the lawsuit challenging the unauthorized conversion of the Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention center to proceed while the facility prepares to open by Nov. 1.
- On Nov. 1, Red Willow County District Court Judge Patrick M. Heng cleared the way for the McCook site to open, denying plaintiffs' request to block the plan.
- Nebraska Appleseed filed the lawsuit alleging state officials exceeded their authority by repurposing the Work Ethic Camp, McCook, Nebraska, which the Nebraska Legislature established for rehabilitation, the plaintiffs argued.
- Homeland Security will pay Nebraska $2.5 million monthly under a two-year contract, and the state expects to house up to 300 detainees, generating about $14 million annually.
- Finding NDCS has discretion, the court allowed the contract to continue as Judge Patrick M. Heng recommended denying motions to dismiss and for an injunction so the lawsuit can proceed.
- Any day now, immigration detainees will arrive at the former minimum-security Work Ethic Camp after the judge removed the last legal hurdle Monday; the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services will run the facility with new hires, and media access has been restricted.
12 Articles
12 Articles
Nebraska Examiner
Doniphan HeraldNebraska Corrections outlines transfers of former McCook Work Ethic Camp inmates
Nebraska State Patrol Superintendent Bryan Waugh, at podium, joins Nebraska Adj. Gen. Craig Strong at left and Nebraska Department of Correctional Services Director Rob Jeffreys as the state announces work a new ICE facility. Aug 19. 2025. (Juan Salinas II/Nebraska Examiner)LINCOLN — As Nebraska turns a state prison into a detention center for migrants facing deportation proceedings, the Nebraska Corrections Department confirmed where it moved s…
Court clears way for ‘Cornhusker Clink’ to open in Nebraska
In a McCook courtroom, a years-old state work camp became the center of a growing debate over Nebraska’s role in federal immigration enforcement. A district court judge ruled that state officials acted within their authority to repurpose the Work Ethic Camp into a detention site for immigration detainees, clearing the way for “Cornhusker Clink” to open as soon as Nov. 1. In an update released Oct. 23, Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen said the McCook fa…
Columbus Telegram
Sioux City JournalJudge rules against effort to halt ICE's 'Cornhusker Clink' but case will continue
A Nebraska judge ruled against a suit to stop the planned "Cornhusker Clink" ICE detention facility, but attorneys said the McCook residents who sued state leaders will continue with the case.
Beatrice Daily Sun
Judge denies injunction that would have blocked McCook ICE facility from opening
A district judge Monday denied an injunction that would have kept the so-called "Cornhusker Clink" from opening. But he also refused to dismiss the case as the state had asked.
Nebraska judge issues two rulings in lawsuit against ICE facility in McCook
LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) – A district judge in Red Willow County issued two rulings on Monday in the lawsuit against an ICE facility in McCook. 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 Nebraska...
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 78% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
