Podcast Summary: Midwest Mobilization: Inside Nebraska’s Immigration Enforcement Plan

Podcast: Morning Wire
Date: September 7, 2025
Hosts: John Bickley, Georgia Howe
Guest: Nebraska Governor Jim Pillin

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on Nebraska’s recently intensified immigration enforcement efforts, spearheaded by Governor Jim Pillin in partnership with federal authorities and ICE. The discussion dives into the creation of a dedicated detention center, Nebraska’s collaboration with other states, legal and social implications, and the nuances of balancing enforcement with consideration for long-time residents and the state’s workforce needs. The conversation closes with a lighter discussion about Nebraska college football.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Nebraska’s Partnership with Federal Immigration Enforcement

• Governor Pillin’s Background and Motivation
  • Pillin recalls visiting Texas’ border areas and witnessing “heart-wrenching” cartel activity, including drug and human trafficking.
  • Emphasizes safety as the highest calling of government:

    “I’m not a politician. I want government out of my hair. Government's got to keep us safe. That’s where we’re at.” (04:35 – Pillin)

2. The 'Cornhusker Clink': Nebraska’s New Detention Facility

• Nebraska has repurposed a Department of Corrections facility for use in detaining and processing individuals for deportation.
• The facility, near Denver, will serve a six-state region, ready for operation by September 15.
• “We have an airport close by. It’ll serve maybe a six region area...” (05:28 – Pillin)
• “We’re really, really proud of that work.” (04:49 – Pillin)

3. Anticipation of Legal Pushback

• Pillin addresses likely lawsuits from activists and ACLU but maintains confidence:

  “Everything is totally, all the bases are covered… When ACLU or whoever going to sue us, we'll win. We stand the cord the day.” (06:29 – Pillin)

• States overwhelming support among Nebraskans (about 80%):

  “Eight out of ten Nebraskans 100% supportive.” (06:53 – Pillin)

4. Nebraska’s Participation in the 287(g) Program

• Nebraska State Patrol is training to work directly with ICE, conducting immigration enforcement activities.
• Pillin points to Nebraska’s tech-driven approach:

  “We do a lot of work with technology and IDs on Interstate 80 and other highways…” (07:39 – Pillin)

• Distinguishes between recent criminal entrants and long-term, law-abiding immigrant residents:

  “Our mission is not involved when, when we have people that have been living in Nebraska for 20 and 30 years working. The federal government's got to do their job to figure out the immigration. Our job is to keep us safe.” (08:42 – Pillin)

5. The Economic and Social Context: Impact on Employers

• Pillin separates the plight of long-standing, community-integrated undocumented immigrants from recent criminal entrants:

  “We're not talking about them. We're talking about the people that came across in the Biden era and those weren’t immigrants… That’s criminals and terrorists. That’s who I want the heck out of our communities.” (09:45 – Pillin)

• Highlights the longstanding contributions of Latino immigrants:
  • “We have 330,000 Latino immigrants in the state of Nebraska. Many have everything perfect. Some are undocumented. They've been working for our communities for 10 and 20 and 30 years.” (09:30 – Pillin)

6. State and Federal Collaboration and Broader Immigration Reform

• Notes that Nebraska is among many conservative states helping Texas and collaborating broadly:

  “All conservative states. Right. I mean, we work hard, highest calling, keep us safe…” (11:05 – Pillin)

• Critiques D.C. gridlock on true reform:

  “The politicians in Washington D.C. have to quit playing Google politics and quit worrying about themselves. Republicans and Democrats come together and solve this problem.” (11:27 – Pillin)

• Reiterates limits of state power and necessity for federal action.

7. Notable Segment: Personal Story Illustrating the Problem

• Pillin shares a Texas rancher’s story to differentiate between criminal activity and productive immigration:

  “I met a family in Eagle Pass… We had a steer, they killed a steer and they took it into our home and butchered it on the bed… That’s not immigrants. That’s criminals and terrorists.” (09:41 – Pillin)

Memorable Quotes

• “The highest calling of government is safety.” (04:35 – Jim Pillin)
• “We're really, really proud of all the work people are doing.” (10:18 – Jim Pillin)
• “My viewpoint is really simple. There is no way, if somebody’s come here undocumented, that they have the privilege to vote, that they have the privilege to run for elected office or the privilege to have any benefits from government. But we need to come together because… hard jobs are immigrant filled. It’s time our federal government… gets it fixed.” (12:23 – Jim Pillin)

Important Timestamps

• 02:18 – Governor Jim Pillin joins to discuss immigration enforcement
• 04:35 – Pillin describes why he’s prioritized immigration (safety, cartel activity)
• 05:10 – Introduction to the Cornhusker Clink facility
• 06:25 – Discussion of expected legal challenges
• 07:21 – Nebraska’s role in 287(g) partnership with ICE
• 09:20 – Pillin’s message to employers about immigrant employees
• 11:02 – State collaboration and need for federal immigration reform
• 12:54 – The impact of Trump administration’s policies on border crossings
• 13:28 – Transition to Nebraska college football discussion

Bonus: College Football Chat

• Governor Pillin, a former Nebraska player, expresses optimism about Coach Matt Rhule’s approach:

  “Matt Rhule is an incredible human who is a phenomenal leader who happens to be a football coach… He's about extraordinary discipline and toughness.” (13:37 – Pillin)

• Anticipates a key matchup with Michigan on September 20
• Ends on a note of sports camaraderie and excitement for the season

Summary

Governor Jim Pillin lays out a comprehensive, tough-on-crime immigration agenda centered on Nebraska’s collaboration with federal authorities, commitment to public safety, and the launch of a regional detention center. The episode balances policy specifics with personal stories, addresses legal and social complexities, and underscores the importance of state-federal cooperation. Pillin champions Nebraska’s values and expresses pride in community support and the state’s resilience, concluding with a hopeful eye on the Huskers’ football season.