13 McCook residents, former lawmaker sue to stop Nebraska-ICE detention center
Source: Nebraska Examiner
‘Nebraska state law is clear: The governor does not have the unilateral authority to change the purpose of any public building,’ attorney says
By: Zach Wendling - October 16, 2025 12:59 pm
McCOOK, Neb. — Thirteen McCook residents filed a lawsuit this week to stop Nebraska officials from converting a state prison into an immigration detention facility. They filed suit with the backing of a former lawmaker who helped pass the law directing the state’s use of the facility.
The 24-page lawsuit, filed Tuesday in Red Willow County District Court, argues Gov. Jim Pillen’s in-progress plan to convert the Work Ethic Camp in McCook would “usurp” legislative authority and violate separation of powers under the Nebraska Constitution and state law. Pillen and Rob Jeffreys, director of Nebraska’s correctional system, are named in the case.
“Nebraska state law is clear: The governor does not have the unilateral authority to change the purpose of any public building,” said Robert McEwen, legal director of Nebraska Appleseed, which is leading the case. “That’s the Legislature’s job.”
Nebraska Appleseed is a nonprofit organization advocating for people in need, including immigrants.
The state's Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Neb., is set to become a detention center for migrants facing deportation proceedings. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)
Read more: https://nebraskaexaminer.com/2025/10/16/13-mccook-residents-former-lawmaker-sue-to-stop-nebraska-ice-detention-center/