- Homeland Security announced a partnership with Nebraska to open the “Cornhusker Clink” at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, adding up to 280 ICE detention beds.
- Nebraska will support enforcement with State Patrol participation via 287(g) and National Guard administrative/logistical assistance.
- Officials say the move follows earlier state partnerships (“Alligator Alcatraz” and “Speedway Slammer”) and is funded under the One Big Beautiful Bill.
The Big Picture
On Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2025, Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a new state–federal partnership to expand detention capacity at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska—adding up to 280 beds for U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainees. The facility—branded the “Cornhusker Clink”—will house individuals arrested by ICE and marks the third such state collaboration after Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” and Indiana’s “Speedway Slammer,” according to DHS.
What’s New
Nebraska officials said the Nebraska State Patrol intends to enter a 287(g) agreement, enabling selected troopers to assist ICE in immigration enforcement. Gov. Jim Pillen also ordered the Nebraska National Guard to provide administrative and logistical support to ICE in the state, with roughly 20 Army National Guard soldiers expected to begin training within a week, according to the announcement.
What They’re Saying
“Today the State of Nebraska is stepping up its support of President Trump’s and Secretary Noem’s immigration enforcement initiatives… Our facility and team in McCook can help our federal partners protect our homeland… The Nebraska State Patrol and National Guard will be assisting ICE enforcement efforts, as well,” said Gov. Pillen, as quoted by DHS.
Context
DHS said the partnership is enabled by the One Big Beautiful Bill, which it says fully funds the 287(g) program and provides resources for expanding immigration detention capacity. The 287(g) initiative allows certain state and local officers to perform limited federal immigration functions after training and under ICE supervision; the program’s details are outlined by ICE here: ICE 287(g) program. Officials also framed the McCook facility as part of a broader push to add bed space following similar state collaborations.
What’s Next
Conversion work at the McCook site and personnel training are expected to proceed on an expedited timetable. The State Patrol’s 287(g) agreement would take effect after required training and the signing of formal memorandums of agreement. DHS indicated additional state partnerships could follow as federal and state agencies align on capacity and enforcement priorities.
The Bottom Line
With the “Cornhusker Clink,” DHS and Nebraska are opening a new Midwest detention node as part of a national push to expand immigration enforcement capacity. The plan hinges on interagency cooperation—ICE operations, State Patrol collaboration under 287(g), and National Guard support—to move detainees through the system and address bed space demands outlined by DHS.
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