1. United States
2. Neb.
3. Letter

I am writing to express my strong opposition to the planned Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center in McCook, Nebraska. This facility, dubbed the 'Cornhusker Clink' by Homeland Security, is a misguided attempt to support increased deportation efforts that will harm our community and state. Governor Jim Pillen's decision to host this 280-bed facility for criminal ICE detainees in our state is deeply concerning. McCook, a city of only 7,400 residents, is ill-equipped to handle the complexities and potential risks associated with such a facility. The characterization of detainees as 'the worst of the worst' is not only dehumanizing but also fails to acknowledge the nuances of immigration cases and the potential for wrongful detention. This decision is part of a broader, troubling trend in Nebraska's approach to immigration. The state's partnership with federal agencies, including providing National Guard support for ICE agents and signing a 287(g) agreement allowing state troopers to assist in immigration enforcement, represents a dangerous overreach that could lead to racial profiling and civil rights violations. The expansion of immigration detention capacity across the country, as part of the previous administration's plan, has been widely criticized by human rights organizations and immigration experts. These facilities often lack proper oversight, have poor living conditions, and can traumatize detainees who may include asylum seekers and individuals with valid claims to remain in the United States. I urge you to take immediate action to prevent the construction of this facility. Instead, advocate for comprehensive immigration reform that prioritizes human rights, family unity, and due process. Our state's resources would be better spent on education, healthcare, and economic development that benefit all Nebraskans, rather than on a detention center that will likely bring more problems than solutions to our community. Please stand against this misguided project and work towards more humane and effective immigration policies that reflect our values as Nebraskans and as Americans.