Nebraska Protesters
A group of United Methodist clergy protest an immigration detention facility in Nebraska. (Great Plains Conference Photo)
Great Plains Conference | Aug. 27, 2025
More than 200 Nebraskans gathered outside the governor's mansion Friday, Aug. 22, to share their concerns and opposition to the proposed ICE detention center in McCook, Nebraska. Perspectives were shared from a mother of three who lamented the fear and grief that immigrant mothers must have as ICE raids escalate.
United Methodist clergy, Rev. Sarah Marsh, Rev. Doyle Burbank-Williams and Rev. Rebecca Hjelle-Penner all spoke about the need for compassion and support for our immigrant neighbors and that detaining fathers, mothers and children is not the answer to community safety, it only terrorizes families. State Sen. Margo Juarez, representing South Omaha, spoke of her tears when she heard the news of the detention center in Nebraska. She reminded the governor that there is a higher crime rate among native-born U.S. persons than immigrants.
Excerpts from Bishop David Wilson's statement and ELCA Bishop Scott Alan Johnson both affirmed the worth of all God's children regardless of legal status. Brittany Cooper from Nebraskans for Peace shared a statement. Roger Garcia, Douglas County Commissioner, had another commitment but shared a strong statement on social media which was very impactful. In closing the witness, Rev. Carol Windrum read a part of his message about light overcoming darkness and reclaiming our values.
Note: Since the public witness, a strong statement of opposition to the ICE facility was issued by Bishop James Conley of the Catholic Diocese of Lincoln calling for compassion and meaningful immigration reform.
Mothers and Others: Justice and Mercy for Immigrants, under the leadership of Windrum, organized the event. The Great Plains Conference Justice & Mercy Team has provided financial support to this group in the past for one of their projects of yard signs that read “We are Friends of Immigrants” on one side and the economic benefits of immigrants on the Nebraska economy on the other side. Hundreds of these yard signs have gone out across the state and on Friday, all 50 new signs just picked up from the printer, were requested by participants.
From last week: Bishop David Wilson's statement against the facility.
Andrea Paret is peace with justice coordinator for the Great Plains Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church. This article is republished from GP Connect, the conference's weekly newsletter.