Work Ethic Camp (WEC) located in McCook, Nebraska. (Nebraska Department of Correctional Services, Courtesy)
MCCOOK — A group of 13 McCook residents and former Lincoln State Senator DiAnna Schimek have filed a lawsuit to stop Governor Jim Pillen’s plan to convert the Work Ethic Camp into a federal immigration detention center.
The suit—filed in Red Willow County District Court by Nebraska Appleseed—argues the Governor exceeded his authority. Under Nebraska law, only the Legislature has the power to repurpose state correctional facilities or public buildings.
Nebraska Appleseed Legal Director Robert McEwen said the decision lacked transparency and would harm the community by replacing a rehabilitation-based program with a detention site. He said the Work Ethic Camp provides job training and community service opportunities that would be lost if the facility is converted.
The plaintiffs are asking the court for a temporary restraining order and a permanent injunction to block the transfer.
