Transcript: Governor Jim Pillen Press Conference on ICE Facility at McCook Work Ethic’s Camp

Governor Jim Pillen (Opening Remarks)

Good afternoon, everyone. Thank you very much for being here today.

We have an announcement that I think everybody is now aware of. I’ve met with the mayor, Sheriff Dowling, and the county attorney in the last 48–72 hours. We’ve been working on this process for an extended period of time.

The highest calling of government is to keep us safe. We’re proud today to announce that Nebraska will be part of President Trump’s team and Secretary Noem’s efforts to make sure our communities are secure.

I’ve been to the southern border twice under the Biden administration. What I saw there was an atrocity. This is not about immigration — this has been about terrorists and criminals coming across the river. I was deeply touched to see our National Guard members and State Patrol working hard to keep us safe.

When I walked the streets of Eagle Pass, I met a family whose ranch had been broken into. Their steer was butchered on their bed. These are not good people. These are criminals. For four years they have crossed into our country and infiltrated communities.

I’m grateful for Homeland Security and for President Trump making it clear that finding and removing these criminals is a priority. Just last week, ICE field agents were here and were impressed with this facility. They said it was the best they’d seen to make an impact.

Together with the Nebraska Air and Army National Guard, the State Patrol, and our Department of Corrections, we are ready.

• National Guard: 20 troops will assist ICE with administrative duties — fingerprinting, swabs, check-in, transportation, logistics. They will not be arresting people.

• State Patrol: Six troopers will complete a 40-hour training and work with ICE agents.

• Facility: Currently 186–187 individuals are at the Work Ethic Camp. The operational capacity will be about 300. Detainees will typically be here 5 to 50 days before appearing before a judge and deportation.

This will be an extraordinary operation for the United States, and I’m proud Nebraska will play a vital role in keeping our country safe.

Mayor Linda Taylor

Thank you, Governor.

My office was contacted on Saturday, August 16, by the Governor’s staff to request an informal meeting. I met with Governor Pillen at the Red Willow County Sheriff’s Office, along with County Attorney Paul Wood, Deputy County Attorney Emily Wood, and Sheriff Kevin Darling. The meeting lasted about 30 minutes.

At that meeting, the governor informed us that the Work Ethic Camp in McCook will be converted into a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.

Because the meeting was brief, we did not receive many details and were told more information would be shared soon. I know our community has questions, and we share those questions with our residents.

We will work cooperatively with the Governor’s team and with ICE to learn more and to communicate updates as we receive them — regarding project scope, timeline, operations, public safety, and local services. Our commitment is to approach this with transparency, respect, and care for the people of McCook and Red Willow County.

Governor Jim Pillen (Additional Comments)

The 85–86 current employees will remain under contract. The facility is approved by the International Department of Corrections and will operate as it does today.

The detainees will be “minimal to low risk.” They will not include violent gang members such as MS-13. Most will be held 5–50 days before removal.

There will be fencing and enhanced security. If there are any burdens to the county or community, the State of Nebraska will cover them.

Reporter Q&A

Q: How did McCook become the chosen site?

Pillen: We’ve been strong supporters in Washington, D.C. I’ve been there many times. The southern border situation is an atrocity, and Nebraska wants to play its part in keeping the country safe.

Q: What about concerns that ICE may detain people who are legal?

Pillen: Our focus is 100% on people who came here illegally and who are criminals and terrorists. Cartels have been designated as terrorists by President Trump — that’s huge. Fentanyl is in all 93 Nebraska counties. We are doing our part to keep these threats off our streets.

Q: What does “medium to low risk” mean?

Pillen: It means they are not murderers or violent criminals like MS-13. But they are still a risk to our communities because of illegal activity.

Q: What is the contract length? What happens to the Work Ethic Camp afterward?

Pillen: We will have at least a 365-day agreement, likely lasting through President Trump’s term. Beyond that, I can’t speculate on the future of the Work Ethic Camp.

Q: What about transportation and the airport?

Pillen: Most detainees will be transported out after court via plane with ICE agents. This could bring additional logistics and fuel opportunities for the airport.

Q: Will detainees be from Nebraska only, or from other states?

Pillen: Likely regional — Nebraska and surrounding states.

Q: Will court proceedings be held in McCook?

Pillen: Most likely they will take place via Zoom with federal judges.

Q: Will juveniles be housed here?

Pillen: I’m not sure. There are cases of 13- and 14-year-old criminals, but I don’t have specific details yet.

Q: What steps will you take to harden security?

Pillen: Training for staff, new double fencing, and secure protocols.

Q: Residents say this is the first they’ve heard of it. Why the lack of transparency?

Pillen: We did not know this would become a significant reality until last Friday. Things came together quickly. President Trump’s team moves fast. My ask is simple: stand with the President’s team. I and your mayor will ensure nothing changes in the community except improved security.

Governor Jim Pillen (Closing)

I encourage everyone to thank your sheriffs, deputies, and police officers. We live in the greatest place — Nebraska, and the United States of America. It’s a privilege to live here, and this effort will go down in history as making an extraordinary difference in keeping us safe.