A state prison in Nebraska for low-risk offenders, Work Ethic Camp, in McCook, Nebraska, is expected to operate as federal immigration detention center. Nate Jenkins/AP

Alejandra doesn’t leave her home unless she really needs to. She skips doctor’s appointments and church to remain undetected. And if she is detained by immigration enforcement officials, her 13-year-old son is prepared with a list of people to call and his social security number memorized.

“I cannot be separated from my kids,” said the 30-year-old undocumented mother of four children who were born in the United States. “I just can’t risk it.” CNN agreed to only use Alejandra’s first name to protect her identity out of respect for her safety concerns due to her immigration status.

The idea that her family might be rippe

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