New Immigration Detention Facility Announced in Indiana

The “Speedway Slammer” immigration detention facility is set to open in Indiana, as announced by Homeland Security Secretary Christie Noem on Tuesday. This new initiative, in partnership with Indiana, aims to add 1,000 beds to the region’s detention capacity.

“If you’re in the U.S. illegally, you could find yourself in the Speedway Slammer,” Noem stated. She also encouraged the use of the @CBP Home App, suggesting it might help individuals avoid arrests and deportation.

Noem emphasized that options remain for illegal immigrants who would prefer to leave on their own rather than face detention. “If you go home voluntarily, you can come back legally,” she mentioned, while cautioning that waiting for detainment would mean missing the chance to return to America.

The press release explained that this project is a collaborative effort between the DHS and the Indiana Department of Corrections, which will enhance the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) beds by 1,000. It noted that this facility will accommodate some of the most serious offenses related to illegal immigration.

“This law has fully funded the 287(g) program, allocating resources for 80,000 new detention beds for the worst offenders,” the release added. Indiana Governor Mike Brown expressed pride in working alongside federal officials to tackle illegal immigration through this program. “It’s essential that Indiana remains a leader in this area,” he remarked.

The announcement also detailed the DHS’s new powers to process and deport illegal immigrants efficiently, following the relatively recent opening of a similar facility in Florida known for its strict enforcement measures. Reports indicate that over 600 immigrants have already been deported from this facility in Florida.

The introduction of the “Speedway Slammer” coincides with plans for another immigration detention center in northern Florida, continuing the momentum of recent immigration reforms.