NDCS hosts state senators for tour of WEC detention facility
December 15, 2025 (McCook, Neb.) – Today Nebraska Department of Correctional Services (NDCS) Director Rob Jeffreys led a tour of the WEC Detention Facility, open to all 49 Nebraska state senators. Five state senators attended, including Tom Brandt, Rob Clements, Myron Dorn, Margo Juarez, and Dan Lonowski.
“The ICE detention facility in McCook is absolutely critical to keeping Nebraskans safe,” said Governor Jim Pillen. “Now that it has been up and running successfully for some time, it is a good opportunity for senators to come and see first-hand the operational aspects of the detention facility.”
The group visited housing units where detainees were currently living and toured admissions, dining, and medical areas inside the facility. They also walked around the outdoor recreation area, which is surrounded by a security fence.
Prior to senators visiting this afternoon, Mayor Linda Tayor and McCook Police Chief Kevin Hodgson had their own tour of the facility. While managed by the state and operated by state public servants, the population is made up of federal detainees, who are transported to WEC to await their scheduled hearings for deportation. The facility has been modified to securely house low to medium-low offenders. At this time, the facility is housing only men.
“The NDCS team has embraced this mission with excellence,” said NDCS Director Jeffreys. “They demonstrate a clear commitment to public safety and continue to uphold high standards, which we are proud to share with our state senators.”
The facility began accepting detainees in early November. Construction begins this week to expand the facility’s capacity from 200 to 300 detainees. As a federal detention center, compensation to NDCS, based on the expected use of the facility and costs associated with providing services to ICE, will be $2,456,138.64 per month. The arrangement with ICE will net the state around $14.25 million annually, taking into consideration costs associated with an increased population and staff. The current contract period will expire Sept. 29, 2027.