The planned conversion of the McCook-based Work Ethic Camp into an ICE detention center has been lauded by Nebraska's Republican governor and several GOP state senators, but has created consternation among progressive lawmakers and in its host city. (Cindy Gonzalez/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN — Two Nebraska lawmakers on the Legislature’s budget-setting committee requested that their panel schedule a public briefing to better understand the planned conversion of a McCook-based state prison into an ICE detention hub.

State Sens. Machaela Cavanaugh and Ashlei Spivey, both of Omaha, addressed their letter Wednesday to State Sen. Rob Clements of Elmwood, chair of the Legislature’s Appropriations Committee.

The request comes after the chair of the Judiciary Committee declined to hold a public

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