Nebraska’s Work Ethic Camp Transforms into ICE Detention Center

The Work Ethic Camp, a minimum-security prison in McCook, Nebraska, known for its focus on inmate rehabilitation, is undergoing a significant transformation. State officials have announced that the facility will be replaced with a 300-bed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center, a shift aimed at supporting President Trump’s national immigration policies. This change alters the mission of a prison that had been dedicated to preparing nonviolent offenders for reintegration into society.

For over two decades, the Work Ethic Camp provided programs that included counseling, educational opportunities, and job training. Inmates often contributed to the community by engaging in local projects, such as road paving and cemetery maintenance. This summer, an art gallery showcased pieces created by 13 prisoners, further highlighting the facility’s commitment to rehabilitation.

As of fall 2023, the Work Ethic Camp has been rebranded as “The Cornhusker Clink.” The transition has sparked mixed reactions among local residents. In a town of approximately 7,500 people, many expressed disappointment over losing a facility that fostered a sense of community and second chances.

Community Reactions to the Change

While some residents support the new ICE facility, viewing it as an opportunity to align with the president’s immigration agenda and potentially create 50 to 60 jobs, others have voiced concerns about the implications of the change. Opponents are frustrated by what they see as a unilateral decision made by the state’s governor, leading to the facility’s conversion from a rehabilitation center to a detention center.

City officials are also apprehensive about the impact on local resources. The small airport in McCook, which currently operates with just one full-time employee, may face significant strain if hundreds of detainees are transported in and out of town.

The shift from rehabilitation to detention has raised questions about the future role of the facility within the community. While the ICE center aligns with federal immigration objectives, it departs from the longstanding commitment to help inmates reintegrate into society. As McCook navigates this transition, the community remains divided over its potential benefits and drawbacks.

The decision to repurpose the Work Ethic Camp underscores broader national discussions on immigration policy and the balance between local interests and federal directives. For residents of McCook, the changes at this once-rehabilitation-focused facility reflect a significant shift in how their community engages with broader political issues.