MCCOOK, Neb. —

McCook, Nebraska, is in the nation's spotlight after Gov. Jim Pillen announced it would serve as the home base for an immigration detention facility .

It will take over a state correctional facility , but those employees would stay on.

The facility is set to hold up to 300 people who entered the country illegally, as they're processed by the federal court system.

It's been a whirlwind week for the isolated rural city.

"Everything is coming at us pretty quick," Kevin Darling, Red Willow County sheriff, said.

McCook community reacts to immigration detention facility

McCook is the seat of Red Willow County, which, true to its name, is a Republican stronghold that went 83% for the Trump-Vance ticket in November 2024 .

"We voted in the administration. We have to do

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