McCOOK, Neb. (WOWT) - A Nebraska State Senator says she was blocked from visiting the McCook facility after it began operating under an ICE agreement, sparking a dispute over whether state law or federal rules take precedence.

State Sen. Machaela Cavanaugh says state law gives lawmakers the right to visit state correctional facilities “at any time,” which should override the ICE contract.

The Nebraska Department of Correctional Services disputes that interpretation.

Emails show Cavanaugh arrived without prior notice on Nov. 12 and was denied entry. She returned the next morning with roughly 12 hours’ notice and was denied again.

NDCS Director Rob Jeffreys wrote that unannounced or short-notice entries can’t be accommodated for safety and operations. He said Cavanaugh would need to

See Full Page