The Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska, a facility known for its rehabilitation efforts, is set to undergo a significant transformation. State officials have announced that the minimum-security prison will be replaced by a 300-bed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. This change aligns with President Donald Trump’s national strategy to strengthen immigration enforcement.
For over two decades, the Work Ethic Camp focused on rehabilitating nonviolent felony offenders. Inmates participated in community service, worked on local projects, and attended classes at a nearby community college. The facility provided a supportive environment aimed at reintegrating individuals into society, showcasing their artwork in local galleries and allowing them to contribute positively to the community.
Now, the facility will be rebranded as “The Cornhusker Clink,” marking a stark shift from its previous mission. Some residents of McCook, a town of approximately 7,500 that largely supported Trump in the last election, have expressed mixed feelings about this change. While some community members support the new ICE facility for its potential to create 50 to 60 jobs, others lament the loss of a program that felt more like a second chance than incarceration.
Concerns have been raised regarding the implications of the new facility on local resources. City officials fear the impact of increased detainee transportation through the town’s small airport, which currently employs only one full-time staff member. Residents who favored the rehabilitation model of the Work Ethic Camp are worried about the community’s image and the potential strain on services.
The decision to convert the facility was made by Governor Pete Ricketts, which has sparked frustration among opponents. Critics argue that the unilateral decision process did not sufficiently involve local input or consideration of the community’s values.
Overall, while some view the change as a necessary step in supporting national immigration policy, others reflect on the positive community engagement fostered by the Work Ethic Camp. As McCook prepares for its new role in immigration enforcement, the town faces a pivotal moment in balancing community identity with federal objectives. The shift from rehabilitation to detention signifies a fundamental change in the local landscape, leaving many to question what the future holds for both the town and its residents.
