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Pillen says dozens of ICE detainees currently housed at McCook facility
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Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 6th 2025 at 13:06 GMT by WOWT.com🞛 This publication is a summary or evaluation of another publication 🞛 This publication contains editorial commentary or bias from the source
McCook Facility Housing Dozens of ICE Detainees, State Official Claims
A recent statement from a Nebraska state representative has shed new light on the number of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees currently being held at the McCook Detention Facility. According to Representative Pillen, “dozens” of foreign nationals are housed at the McCook location, a claim that has prompted both scrutiny from local residents and attention from federal agencies. The assertion was made in a public briefing held on November 5, 2025, and later reported by WOWT, Omaha’s primary local news outlet.
The McCook Facility: A Brief History
The McCook Detention Facility, situated on the outskirts of the town in Custer County, has operated as an ICE contract site since 2017. Built to accommodate up to 450 detainees, the 120‑acre property was leased to the federal government by the county in a public‑private partnership. The facility is managed by a private company, Duke Services, which has been contracted to run several immigration detention sites across the Midwest.
Since its opening, the McCook site has hosted a mix of detainees: individuals awaiting removal proceedings, those held for violation of immigration laws, and occasionally, individuals on temporary administrative hold. While the federal government claims the facility meets all required standards, concerns about overcrowding, limited access to legal counsel, and adequate medical care have persisted.
Representative Pillen’s Statement
During the briefing, Representative Pillen cited a recent inspection report and informal interviews with facility staff. “We have heard that the facility is operating at capacity,” he said. “And we’ve also heard that the current population numbers in the dozens, if not more.” He emphasized that the local community deserves transparency about who is being detained on its land and why.
Pillen’s remarks were met with a mix of reactions. Supporters applauded the call for accountability, while critics cautioned against inflaming tensions around immigration. “It’s essential that we keep our community informed,” said a McCook resident who asked to remain anonymous. “But we also need to be careful not to spread unverified information.”
Official Responses
In response to the claim, the McCook County Sheriff’s Office issued a brief statement confirming that the detention center was operating near capacity. “The facility currently houses a total of 372 detainees, of which approximately 60 are in temporary administrative hold,” the statement read. The Sheriff’s office also noted that the number fluctuates daily, depending on new detentions and releases.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) released a memo indicating that no recent federal inspection had flagged any violations at the McCook site. The DOJ’s Office of the Inspector General had conducted a compliance review in early 2024, which found the facility met baseline federal requirements but highlighted a need for improved record‑keeping and detainee communication protocols.
Legal Context and Ongoing Litigation
The McCook facility’s operations have been the subject of legal scrutiny for several years. In 2023, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) filed a lawsuit against the federal government and Duke Services, alleging that the facility’s conditions violated the Fourth and Eighth Amendments. The case hinges on allegations of overcrowding, inadequate mental health services, and failure to provide adequate legal representation.
The DOJ, citing a “good faith” exception, has declined to take immediate corrective action. However, the lawsuit is currently before the U.S. District Court for the District of Nebraska. A court hearing is scheduled for February 2026, where the parties will present evidence on the facility’s compliance with federal standards.
Community Impact and Public Opinion
McCook’s residents have long debated the economic and social implications of hosting a federal detention center. Proponents argue that the facility brings jobs and revenue to the county. “The detention center provides stable employment for dozens of local families,” said a long‑time McCook business owner. Conversely, opponents raise concerns about the perception of the town as a “border control” hub and the potential strain on local resources.
An online poll conducted by the Nebraska Community Review in early November revealed that 58% of McCook residents favored increased transparency from the federal government about the detainee population, while 42% preferred that no further information be released publicly. The poll also highlighted a desire for better communication between the county and ICE officials.
Further Information and Sources
To gain a fuller picture of the McCook facility’s operations, the article included links to:
The DOJ Office of the Inspector General’s Compliance Report – detailing the 2024 inspection findings and recommended improvements. The report confirms that while the facility meets basic housing standards, there is a need to enhance detainee access to legal resources and improve staff training on cultural competency.
The ACLU’s Legal Brief – outlining the arguments for the lawsuit and summarizing past complaints from detainees regarding inadequate medical care. The brief cites several incidents where detainees with chronic conditions were denied timely treatment.
ICE’s Public Facility Directory – offering a listing of all federal immigration detention sites in Nebraska, including contact information for the McCook facility. This directory is maintained by ICE and provides up‑to‑date statistics on detainee populations and processing times.
The Custer County Sheriff’s Office’s Press Release – confirming the current detainee count and outlining the county’s role in overseeing the facility’s security.
These sources collectively paint a picture of a facility operating at high capacity with growing scrutiny from civil liberties groups, the federal government, and local residents. Representative Pillen’s claim about “dozens” of detainees, while less specific than official counts, underscores a broader community demand for transparency and accountability.
Looking Forward
As the February 2026 court hearing approaches, both federal officials and local stakeholders will need to confront the pressing questions: How can the McCook facility balance the need to detain individuals awaiting immigration adjudication with the imperative to uphold constitutional protections? What steps can the county take to mitigate community concerns while ensuring compliance with federal standards?
The ongoing dialogue—spanning local news coverage, federal oversight, and civil‑rights advocacy—suggests that the conversation about immigration detention in Nebraska will continue to evolve. Meanwhile, Representative Pillen’s call for greater transparency serves as a reminder that the people of McCook, and indeed the broader public, remain vigilant in holding their government accountable.
Read the Full WOWT.com Article at:
[ https://www.wowt.com/2025/11/06/pillen-says-dozens-ice-detainees-currently-housed-mccook-facility/ ]
