The Department of Homeland Security on Tuesday announced the opening of a new immigrant detention facility in Nebraska, dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink,” as part of President Donald Trump’s effort to expand deportation operations nationwide.
The facility, created through a partnership between U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, will add 280 detention beds at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Breitbart News reported.
In a press release, DHS credited Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” with making the expansion possible, noting that the measure fully funded the 287(g) program and provided funding for 80,000 new beds for ICE to house criminal illegal immigrants.
“COMING SOON to Nebraska: Cornhusker Clink,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “Today, we’re announcing a new partnership with the state of Nebraska to expand detention bed space by 280 beds. Thanks to Governor Pillen for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. 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.”
Nebraska Gov. Jim Pillen welcomed the agreement, describing it as another way the state is supporting Trump’s enforcement initiatives.
“I am pleased that our facility and team in McCook can be tasked with helping our federal partners protect our homeland by housing criminal illegal aliens roaming our country’s communities today,” Pillen said. He added that both the Nebraska State Patrol and National Guard would be assisting ICE with enforcement operations.
“Homeland security starts at home, and, just as when I twice deployed troops to secure our southern border during the failed Biden administration, Nebraska will continue to do its part,” Pillen said.
The Cornhusker Clink follows similar partnerships in other states, including Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades and the forthcoming “Deportation Depot” in northern Florida.
Federal documents reviewed by Breitbart News indicate ICE plans to double its total detention space for deportable immigrants by the end of the year, signaling a major escalation of Trump’s enforcement agenda.
Family members of detainees and South Florida advocacy groups rallied in July outside the immigration detention center known as “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Everglades, calling for its closure over what they described as inhumane conditions inside.
Family members voiced serious concerns, with one mother comparing her son’s treatment at the facility to that of a concentration camp. She also claimed he has been denied necessary medication and has not received proper medical care for an ongoing infection, News6 in Orlando, Fla., reported.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis pushed back against the allegations during a visit to Fort Lauderdale, dismissing many of the complaints from detainees as exaggerated or unfounded.
“They were mad that the ham sandwiches weren’t toasted. Excuse me?!” he said at one point.
The governor said he was confident detainees are being treated appropriately and noted that any legal claims would be addressed by the Department of Homeland Security.
He also accused Democrats and left-wing groups seeking access to the facility as fabricating claims for “notoriety.”
“It’s odd that they’re going in there. You have these representatives. I mean first of all, they’re just trying to get some notoriety, so they are making these claims,” he said, noting that he’ll be visiting the facility soon as well.
“DHS required there to be certain things,” DeSantis added. “I know the legal was a part of that. There is recreation. I know that people say there’s not and there is. I’m confident that whatever’s required will be provided.”
“First of all, they’re fed the same as the staff is fed,” the GOP governor continued. “It’s not a prison; it’s a deportation processing center, so it is different.”
“But, like in Florida prisons, do you think the prisoners get the same meals as the guards? No, of course not. It’s different,” he said, adding: “Listen, everyone’s the same there.”