Noem unveils new ‘Cornhusker Clink’ ICE detention facility in Nebraska, and big change to ‘the wall’

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is expanding detention facilities with a new location in Nebraska.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced on Tuesday a partnership between the Nebraska Department of Correctional Services and ICE that resulted in the new facility, which will house arrested “criminal illegal aliens.” The facility, dubbed the “Cornhusker Clink,” will make up to 280 beds available at the Work Ethic Camp in McCook, Nebraska, according to a DHS press release.

An announcement on social media included an image of ears of corn wearing ICE caps.

COMING SOON: THE CORNHUSKER CLINK https://t.co/jGrZS8opsW pic.twitter.com/W75pCHipHm

— Homeland Security (@DHSgov) August 19, 2025

“Today, we’re announcing a new partnership with the state of Nebraska to expand detention bed space by 280 beds,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “Thanks to Governor Pillen for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Nebraska’s Cornhusker Clink. Avoid arrest and self-deport now using the CBP Home App.”

The announcement came on the heels of other facilities being opened or expanded, including “Alligator Alcatraz” in the Florida Everglades, Camp East Montana that opened on the grounds of Fort Bliss in Texas, as well as the “Speedway Slammer” detention facility in Indiana.

ICE will DOUBLE illegal alien detention space by year-end.

Americans voted for this, and the Big Beautiful Bill delivered it.

The Trump Administration is moving quickly to get the worst of the worst OFF our streets!

— Lance Gooden (@Lancegooden) August 17, 2025

“Today the State of Nebraska is stepping up its support of President Trump’s and Secretary Noem’s immigration enforcement initiatives in several key ways,” said Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen. “I am pleased that our facility and team in McCook can be tasked with helping our federal partners protect our homeland by housing criminal illegal aliens roaming our country’s communities today. I am also proud that the Nebraska State Patrol and National Guard will be assisting ICE enforcement efforts, as well. Homeland security starts at home, and, just as when I twice deployed troops to secure our southern border during the failed Biden administration, Nebraska will continue to do its part.”

Pillen also ordered the Nebraska National Guard to “provide administrative and logistical support to Nebraska-based ICE officials,” with about 20 Army National Guard soldiers taking part.

In Santa Teresa, New Mexico, on Tuesday, Noem spoke about upcoming enhancements to the border wall, fulfilling a request by President Donald Trump.

“If you look at the structure that’s behind me, it’s tall, which makes it very, very difficult to climb, almost impossible. It also goes deep into the ground, which would make it very difficult, if not impossible, to dig under. And today we are also going to be painting it black,” Noem said, standing before a portion of the southern border wall.

(Video Credit: LiveNOW from Fox News)

“That is specifically at the request of the president, who understands that in the hot temperatures down here, when something is painted black, it gets even warmer, and it will make it even harder for people to climb,” she said.

“So, we are going to be painting the entire southern border wall black to make sure that we encourage individuals to not come into our country illegally, to not break our federal laws, but that they will abide and come to our country the right way so that they can stay and have the opportunity to become United States citizens and pursue the American dream,” Noem added.

She gave a nod to the passage of the “one big, beautiful bill” that provided for “an incredible amount of resources,” which will allow construction of the border wall to continue.