McCOOK, Neb. — Governor Jim Pillen ignited enthusiasm among hundreds of Republicans from across Nebraska at Senator Pete Ricketts' annual steak fry on Sunday, announcing the opening of the McCook ICE facility. The announcement drew thunderous applause as Pillen detailed the facility's purpose.

"We will start putting criminals that have been trafficking drugs, sex trafficking, and doing a lot of bad things," Governor Pillen declared, outlining the facility's role in combating serious criminal activities.

The detention center, previously a minimum-security prison labor camp that opened in 2001, has been repurposed to house 280 beds, with plans to expand to 300. While the facility operates under a three-year agreement with the Department of Homeland Security and is designed to hold violent offenders, Pillen emphasized that its mission is distinct from immigration enforcement.

"We're going to start making sure that our communities are safer," Pillen stated. "Send these folks back where they need to go. The criminals. This isn't about immigration. This is about safety and security."

The new immigration detention center is slated to house 280 inmates for up to a year. Governor Pillen and state officials will be joined by Secretary Kristi Noem for the official opening in McCook on Friday, October 24th.