On Tuesday, August 19th, Governor Jim Pillen announced state-federal agreements that would dramatically expand Nebraska’s role in carrying out President Trump’s anti-immigrant agenda. The governor’s plan includes three alarming moves: using the Nebraska National Guard to assist ICE, designating the Work Ethic Camp in McCook as a new detention center for immigrants, and directing the Nebraska State Patrol to pursue a 287(g) agreement — an agreement that essentially makes local law enforcement tools of ICE.
This announcement marks a dangerous turning point for Nebraska. Here are five things you can do right now.
1. Know your rights and make sure others do too.
Do you know what to do if you’re stopped by ICE? How about if agents show up at your workplace, church or school? All that information is here. It’s important to be prepared, especially given the rights violations we’ve seen in Nebraska and nationwide.
2. Voice your concerns.
You can protest, contact the governor’s office, write to your local newspaper (it really does help!), post on social media, and raise it at the dinner table or a group message. Most Nebraskans know and appreciate that immigrants make our state stronger. We need to keep sharing that message and pushing for comprehensive reform rather than using our resources to fuel a deportation machine.
3. Ask lawmakers to ensure oversight and accountability.
ICE is barring state leaders from their detention sites in other states. It’s critical that our lawmakers have access to the McCook site and information on Nebraska State Patrol actions on ICE’s behest. Whatever agreement they sign, the Nebraska State Patrol still works for Nebraskans, not the federal government. Find your senator here.
4. Tell our federal delegation to support the VISIBLE Act.
Masked agents grabbing people off the streets and in our workplaces makes us all less safe and prevents accountability. It’s past time for Congress to step in and ensure we know who is behind the mask. Send a message now through this link.
5. Say no to 287(g) in your community.
The Nebraska State Patrol is following just a handful of Nebraska county sheriffs in inking or seeking a deal with ICE: Banner, Brown, Dakota and Wheeler counties. The vast majority of Nebraska’s law enforcement agencies have recognized immigration enforcement is not their job and that these partnerships harm public safety by making victims scared to come forward. Contact your local police chief, sheriff, city council member, mayor and county commissioner and tell them you do not want to see a 287(g) agreement in your community.