***For Immediate Release***
March 27, 2026
Contact: Sierra Salgado Pirigyi
Communications Director, Nebraska Appleseed
Office: (402) 438-8853 ext 116
sierrasp@neappleseed.org
RELEASE: Lawsuit over unauthorized takeover of Work Ethic Camp dismissed
The suit asserted the Governor exceeded his authority under state law
LINCOLN, NE – Today, Red Willow County District Judge Patrick Heng dismissed the lawsuit, Schimek v. Pillen, that sought to halt Governor Jim Pillen’s unauthorized repurposing of Nebraska’s Work Ethic Camp into a large-scale ICE detainment camp.
Nick Grandgenett, Nebraska Appleseed’s Immigrants & Communities Sr. Staff Attorney and lead counsel for the plaintiffs issued the following statement in response:
“We are disappointed with the court’s decision and are reviewing today’s opinion. We will confer with our clients and anticipate an appeal in this matter.”
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