Bishop expresses worry over 'human dignity' of detainees following Nebraska governor's plan for the 'Cornhusker Clink' detention center
In the heart of Nebraska, a new U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center, known as the "Cornhusker Clink," is set to open at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook. However, the news has sparked concerns from local Catholic leaders, including Bishop James D. Conley of Lincoln.
Bishop Conley, a national reporter Kate Scanlon notes, has expressed his apprehension about the treatment of detainees at the facility. He emphasizes the importance of respecting migrant rights, safeguarding human dignity, and ensuring that those detained have access to regular and ongoing pastoral care.
The concern about the McCook facility is not isolated. Catholic leaders, including Archbishop Thomas G. Wenski of Miami, have raised similar concerns about inhumane conditions at Alligator Alcatraz in Florida. This detention facility was recently blocked by a judge due to environmental concerns.
Bishop Conley believes that the facility in McCook should not be used to detain migrants without documentation who are in the U.S. seeking a better life, but instead those who have committed crimes that endanger public safety. He urges that the facility only be used for individuals who pose a threat to the community, not those seeking a better life.
The context of Bishop Conley's statement is related to the DHS, ICE, Nebraska, and the Trump administration. In line with this, he calls for meaningful immigration reform, urging the President and Congress to work together to develop laws that respect borders and the rights of each person to migrate.
Meanwhile, Nebraska is increasing its support for President Donald Trump's and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem's immigration enforcement initiatives. The Nebraska State Patrol and National Guard will assist ICE enforcement efforts.
However, the court ruling blocking the Trump administration from transferring detainees to Alligator Alcatraz in Florida's Everglades was issued by Federal Judge Kathleen Williams, who in July issued a preliminary order to close the facility due to environmental violations, demanding the relocation of detainees and removal of equipment and fences.
In light of these developments, Bishop Conley's call for respecting the human dignity of every person, regardless of immigration status, resonates strongly. He emphasizes the importance of allowing detainees to access regular and ongoing pastoral care, ensuring their treatment aligns with the values of compassion and humanity that Nebraska is known for.
