Summary
Nebraska has converted a minimum-security state prison into a federal immigration detention center in the city of McCook. The facility currently holds between 50 to 60 immigration detainees and aims to reach its full capacity of 200 by Thanksgiving. The conversion has faced legal challenges, but the facility continues to operate as part of a larger immigration effort led by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
- The prison in McCook, Nebraska, is now functioning as a federal immigration center.
- The facility currently houses 50 to 60 detainees and plans to accommodate 200 by Thanksgiving.
- A second phase of construction will expand capacity to 300 beds early next year.
- Previously, the facility served low-level offenders who participated in rehabilitation programs.
- Local residents and officials filed a lawsuit challenging the decision to convert the prison.
- The conversion aligns with President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement efforts.
- A judge recently denied a request to stop the prison's conversion, allowing it to continue.
- The largest portion of immigration detainees nationwide have no criminal record.
