In McCook, Nebraska, local residents are grappling with uncertainty following the announcement that federal detainees will be housed at the Work Ethic Camp (WEC) in their town.
During a press conference on Tuesday evening, Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen revealed a partnership with the federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE), which will facilitate the housing of individuals awaiting deportation and immigration proceedings at the McCook facility.
Governor Pillen emphasized his commitment to ensuring the safety of Nebraskans, asserting that tighter collaboration with ICE, coupled with the immigration policies from the Trump Administration, is necessary for that goal.
He stated, “I think that the one thing that all of us, all of us, agree on, the highest calling in government is to keep us safe.” He also described troubling events taking place at the border, saying that anyone who witnessed it would feel a shiver.
The Governor explained that detainees would only be housed at the facility if they have committed more than just an immigration violation, indicating that they would be considered minimum and low-risk individuals.
According to him, these individuals would typically stay at the facility for a short duration, ranging from five to 50 days.
As Governor Pillen spoke to reporters at the McCook Airport, a crowd of residents gathered outside, many seeking information about the detention center, while others protested its establishment.
One unidentified man expressed his desire to learn more about the center rather than protest, voicing disappointment that the plans had been developed rapidly without significant input from the local community.
Hannah Clapper, a protester, voiced concerns about the impacts of the facility, stating, “We didn’t get any say so. None of us. We barely found out yesterday, and as far as I’m concerned, the Work Ethic Camp is a low minimum security prison. So, why are you gonna hold mean immigrants in a place that, like, is five miles away from our school?”
Clapper also made note of the allegations that ICE has been targeting individuals based on their skin color, rather than their criminal records.
“Some people do not have a voice,” she said. “Some people cannot come out here today and speak what they believe in because their rights have been taken, or they never had a chance at rights.” Clapper highlighted the plight of people brought to the U.S. by their parents who may have no legal recourse.
Another protester, Maria Aguirre, held a sign proclaiming, “My mom is not a criminal for wanting a better life!” Tears filled Aguirre’s eyes as she shared her story.
“I’m out here in support of my mother,” she shared. “She was an immigrant; thankfully, she’s legalized now, but my whole family is immigrants.” Aguirre went on to express her fears regarding the ICE presence in McCook, stating, “ICE terrifies my whole family. And, bringing this to the community really terrifies me because I’m scared of losing my family.”
While the Governor reinforced his focus on public safety, Local4 sought clarification regarding the possibility of legal citizens being mistakenly detained at the facility.
“The fact is we are focused,” Governor Pillen responded. “As your governor, I am focused on keeping us safe. We are focused 100% on getting people that came here, that are, that came here illegally, that are criminals and terrorists, folks is bad. These people are threats to our community and we need to have them removed. That’s what I say.”
The future of the McCook facility remains uncertain, with Mayor Linda Taylor admitting to a lack of detailed information after the brief meeting regarding its operation.
“I know our community has questions. … We will work cooperatively with the governor’s team and with ICE to learn more and to communicate to everyone what we are learning,” said Mayor Taylor during the news conference.
Despite this assurance, public sentiment appeared anxious and unsettled as the Governor’s plane took off, prompting some in the crowd to yell, “Coward!”
This is an unfolding story, and more information is expected to emerge in the upcoming days regarding the operations at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook.
image source from：ksnblocal4
