A Red Willow County District Judge has ruled that a lawsuit challenging Governor Jim Pillen’s plan to convert the Work Ethic Camp in McCook into a federal detainment facility may move forward.
Judge Patrick Heng denied motions from both Nebraska Appleseed and the State of Nebraska, meaning the case will not be dismissed — but the governor’s plan to repurpose the facility will continue while the lawsuit proceeds.
The lawsuit, filed by former State Senator DiAnna Schimek and 13 McCook residents, argues that the governor exceeded his legal authority by repurposing a state correctional facility without legislative approval.
Appleseed’s Legal Director Robert McEwen said his clients remain committed to stopping the conversion.
“While we are disappointed that the Court did not decide to halt the advancement of changes to the Work Ethic Camp that would include detainment, we are pleased that Judge Heng has not dismissed the case,” McEwen said. “The case will carry forward from here, and we will continue to represent the interests of our clients in halting the activities of the Defendants as they relate to the large-scale detainment camp in McCook.”