The Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska, has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from a rehabilitation-focused prison to a new 300-bed Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. This change, announced in July 2023, aligns with President Donald Trump’s national strategy to crack down on illegal immigration. The facility, which previously housed nonviolent felony offenders nearing the end of their sentences, is now repurposed to detain immigrants.
For over two decades, the Work Ethic Camp was notable for its rehabilitation efforts, allowing inmates to participate in various community activities. The inmates were actively involved in local projects, such as road paving and maintaining public spaces. They had opportunities to attend classes at the local community college and even showcased their artwork in a local gallery. This approach aimed to prepare inmates for successful reintegration into society, focusing on education, counseling, and job training.
The new direction for the facility has stirred mixed reactions among McCook’s residents, a town with a population of approximately 7,500 that has shown strong support for Trump in previous elections. Some community members express concern over the change, valuing the rehabilitation model that fostered community ties and provided second chances for inmates. They fear that the new detention center will disrupt the positive impact the prison had on the local community.
In contrast, other residents support the ICE facility, viewing it as an opportunity to contribute to national immigration policy. They anticipate that the center could create 50 to 60 new jobs, providing an economic boost to the area.
City officials have raised concerns about the potential strain on local resources, particularly regarding the logistics of handling detainees. The small town’s airport, which employs only one full-time staff member, may face challenges if it becomes a hub for transporting detainees in and out of the facility.
The decision to repurpose the Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention center was made unilaterally by state officials, leaving some community members feeling sidelined. As the town grapples with the implications of this transition, the future of McCook’s community engagement initiatives remains uncertain, alongside the facility’s new mission focused on immigration enforcement.
This shift from rehabilitation to detention marks a profound change in the approach to criminal justice in Nebraska, highlighting the ongoing national debate over immigration policy and its local impacts.
