The Trump administration is teaming up with the state of Indiana to increase capacity at correctional facilities aimed at detaining undocumented immigrants, as announced by Homeland Security Secretary Christa Noem on Tuesday.
“We’re excited to announce a new collaboration with Indiana to add 1,000 detention beds,” Noem shared. “Thanks to [Indiana Gov. Mike Braun] for his support in this effort to remove the worst offenders from our society.”
“If you’re here illegally, you could find yourself locked up at Speedway in Indiana,” she added.
Noem suggested that this “Speedway Slammer” facility would be operational soon.
The name references the well-known Indianapolis Motor Speedway, situated around 75 miles away, highlighting Indiana’s automotive heritage, particularly concerning the new detention space at the Miami Correctional Facility.
On August 1, Braun, a former Republican senator, indicated that Indiana would fully collaborate with federal immigration enforcement to assist President Trump’s extensive deportation agenda.
The Indiana Department of Corrections is set to partner with the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office, ensuring that up to 1,000 beds are ready at both the Miami Correctional Facility near Bunker Hill and the facility close to Grissom Joint Air Reserve Base.
Moreover, Braun mentioned that Camp Atterbury, operated by the Indiana State Guard, will temporarily house undocumented immigrants awaiting deportation.
“We’re proud to collaborate with President Trump and Secretary Noem to tackle the most serious cases through this innovative partnership,” Braun stated.
He continued, “Indiana is taking a comprehensive and cooperative approach to address illegal immigration and aims to remain a leader among states.”
The DHS highlighted that the funding for this agreement comes from a significant bill signed into law on July 4th, which allocated money for 80,000 new beds specifically for ICE to utilize in detaining and deporting immigrants.
The Speedway Slammer comes on the heels of Florida’s “Wannial Catraz,” which opened earlier this summer as part of the same deportation initiative established by the Trump administration.
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis inaugurated the facility on July 3rd, located at a former airport site deep within the Everglades.
This facility, featuring tent structures, can initially house 2,000 detainees but has plans to accommodate up to 4,000.
The Trump administration began deporting immigrants directly from Wannial Catraz Airport, which is capable of accepting commercial flights, on July 25th, operating around the clock.
