What Is Cornhusker Clink? Key Facts About Nebraska’s New Immigration Detention Center

Nebraska is joining the Trump administration’s nationwide push to expand immigration detention with plans for a new center in the state’s remote southwest corner, according to a report published by The Associated Press Wednesday. The facility — which will be called the ‘Cornhusker Clink’ — will use an existing minimum security prison work camp in McCook to hold people awaiting deportation or other immigration proceedings, the report said.

Location and Capacity

According to the plan announced by Governor Jim Pillen Tuesday, the McCook facility — located at a distance of about 210 miles west of Lincoln — will serve as a Midwest hub for detainees from multiple American states. The facility currently holds about 186 inmates, who are expected to be moved over the next 45 to 60 days to other facilities.

The ‘Cornhusker Clink’, the report said, will have the initial capacity to accommodate 200 people, with plans in place to expand the count to 300. The facility will be operated by the state but funded by the federal government. Underlining the center’s advantage of already being set up and accredited for prisoners, Pillen suggested detainees won’t be housed in tents or temporary quarters.

Official Statements and Tone

“This is about keeping Nebraskans – and Americans across our country – safe,” Pillen said, per AP.

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem said, “If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Nebraska’s Cornhusker Clink. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App.” 

The DHS, meanwhile, also posted an image on social media showing ears of corn wearing ICE hats in front of a prison fence.

Part of a Larger Trend

Nebraska’s move comes as part of a Trump administration effort to increase detention capacity nationwide amid rising immigrant arrests. Facilities like Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ and the soon-to-open ‘Deportation Depot’ in North Florida, as well as Indiana’s planned ‘Speedway Slammer’, reflect this expansion.

Community Concerns and Protests

The announcement has already drawn criticism. Independent state Senator Megan Hunt slammed the lack of transparency, saying she never received requested records about the plan.

Urging Nebraskans to support local immigrant rights groups, Hunt reportedly said, “The No. 1 thing we need to do is protect our neighbours, protect the people in our communities who are being targetted by these horrible people, these horrible organisations that are making choices to lock up, detain, disappear our neighbours and families and friends.”

Meanwhile, protesters gathered outside the governor’s office Tuesday with signs reading ‘No Nazi Nebraska’ and ‘ICE = Gestapo.’