Indiana is significantly boosting its immigration detention capabilities with the upcoming opening of the ‘Speedway Slammer,’ a new facility designed to house undocumented migrants, signaling a major partnership between the state and the Trump administration’s nationwide push to enhance federal immigration enforcement, much like initiatives seen in Florida.
The announcement, issued by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, delineates plans to introduce 1,000 beds specifically for immigrant detainees at the Miami Correctional Facility in Miami County. This site is strategically located between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne, rendering it a pivotal element in the broader federal endeavor.
Secretary Noem underscored the objective of this new facility in a public declaration, stating, “COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer. Today, we are announcing a new partnership with the State of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds.” She further expounded on the administration’s goal, adding, “Thanks to Governor Braun for his collaboration in facilitating the removal of the most egregious offenders from our country. If you are in the United States illegally, you may find yourself in Indiana’s Speedway Slammer. Avoid arrest and opt for voluntary deportation now using the CBP Home App.”
Governor Mike Braun emphasized Indiana’s dedication to this joint effort, stating on Tuesday, ‘We are honored to collaborate with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the most egregious offenders through this innovative partnership.’ He further highlighted Indiana’s proactive strategy, adding, ‘Indiana is adopting a comprehensive and collaborative approach to addressing illegal immigration and will persist in leading the way among states.’
The facility’s distinctive name, “Speedway Slammer,” is a clear tribute to Indiana’s long – established racing culture. It specifically pays homage to iconic events such as the annual Indianapolis 500 and the renowned Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which is located approximately 75 miles south of the Miami Correctional Facility.
This expansion does not represent an isolated measure but rather constitutes an integral part of a broader national framework aimed at strengthening immigration enforcement. The funding for this significant endeavor, along with other related initiatives, is derived from a reconciliation bill signed by President Donald Trump last month, a legislative act that he himself described as the “one big, beautiful bill.”
The Department of Homeland Security has elucidated that this funding specifically underpins the 287(g) program, which is designed to fortify the collaboration between Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and local governments across the United States. In addition to this program, the bill also appropriates funds for a substantial augmentation in detention capacity, making provision for 80,000 new ICE detention beds nationwide, indicating a significant investment in the infrastructure of immigration enforcement.
Beyond just detention, the Trump administration has promoted the idea of ‘self-deportation’ for individuals residing in the U.S. without legal status, offering incentives like $1,000 and travel assistance for voluntary departure, with the possibility of future legal re-entry, according to the DHS.
The “Speedway Slammer” in Indiana establishes direct parallels with Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz,” a facility that initiated operations earlier this summer under the joint jurisdiction of federal officials and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. This Florida facility was conceived as a crucial stopping – point for individuals residing in the country illegally before they are ultimately deported.
Initially funded by state resources, the ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ facility is slated to receive additional financial backing from FEMA, underscoring the federal government’s commitment to these state-level collaborations, and this facility, designed for 2,000 individuals, is expected to expand to accommodate 4,000, illustrating the scale of these detention efforts.
Deportation flights from “Alligator Alcatraz” have already commenced, with operations having started at the end of last month. Governor DeSantis himself confirmed the progress of these operations, stating, “I am pleased to announce that those flights out of Alligator Alcatraz by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have begun. The frequency is increasing. We have already had a number of flights; in the last few days, we have removed hundreds of illegal immigrants from here.”
The Florida facility, controversially located at an abandoned airport in the Everglades, is reportedly being considered for a second similar center, indicating a continued regional focus on expanding detention capacities.
Leaders in the Sunshine State have encountered significant criticism regarding “Alligator Alcatraz,” drawing objections from both left – wing immigration advocacy groups and environmental activists. The concerns mainly center around the facility’s location and its intended purpose, raising questions about humanitarian conditions and environmental impact.
Environmental experts have expressed particular concern regarding the Everglades site. Melissa Abdo, PhD, the Regional Director of the National Parks Conservation Association Sun Coast, issued a statement on July 1, voicing strong opposition to the facility. She critically evaluated the proposal, stating, “Constructing a basic tented detention center on a hot tarmac in the midst of the Everglades and exposing detained immigrants to the elements constitutes a cruel and absurd proposal.”
Dr. Abdo further expounded on the environmental risks inherent to the location, highlighting the potential hazards posed by the natural conditions. She cautioned, “The Everglades’ extreme heat, high humidity, and frequent storms can pose significant threats without adequate safeguards. The remote and harsh nature of this facility could place individuals in genuine peril, particularly as Florida’s heat index soars and the hurricane season intensifies.” These concerns underscore the broader discourse surrounding the operational and ethical implications of such large-scale detention centers.
Indiana’s engagement in beefing up immigration enforcement extends beyond the ‘Speedway Slammer’; Governor Mike Braun had previously announced on August 1st the state’s full cooperation with federal immigration authorities to aid President Trump in carrying out mass deportations.
As part of this broad partnership, the Indiana Department of Correction (IDOC) will collaborate directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement, allocating up to 1,000 beds at the Miami Correctional Facility near Bunker Hill, Indiana, specifically for migrants awaiting deportation.
The Miami Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison situated on the grounds of the former Grissom Air Force Base about 70 miles north of Indianapolis, possesses a substantial capacity to house approximately 3,100 individuals.
Annie Goeller, the Chief Communications Officer for IDOC, has pointed out that a portion of the facility’s existing capacity has remained unutilized. This underutilization is due to a staffing shortage, implying that the integration of the new beds for immigrant detainees may require reallocating existing space or addressing workforce issues within the correctional system.
Additionally, Camp Atterbury, managed by the Indiana National Guard, is being made available for temporary use by the Department of Homeland Security as another site to house undocumented migrants slated for deportation, demonstrating a comprehensive strategy for detention within Indiana.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth had previously delineated plans for Camp Atterbury on July 15, identifying it as one of two new sites intended to temporarily house “illegal aliens” for the Department of Homeland Security. Democratic U.S. Representative André Carson has also indicated that the Trump administration is prepared to detain up to 1,000 ICE detainees at this military facility, highlighting its significant role.
While the plan for Camp Atterbury has been delineated, Governor Braun informed IndyStar on August 5 that the Trump administration had not yet established a definitive timetable for transforming the military base into an immigration detention center. This implies that while intentions are clear, the practical implementation may still be contingent upon further planning and logistical coordination.
Governor Braun articulated Indiana’s commitment to federal cooperation in immigration matters. He stated, “When it comes to our state, we will cooperate. As we have mentioned before, since we are housing detainees who have broken the law after entering illegally, we will cooperate with the federal government.” He also addressed concerns about due process, adding, “Regarding any of the other issues related to due process and the like, we want to ensure that we are handling them appropriately as well.” This statement reflects a dual commitment to enforcing federal law while also recognizing the importance of legal procedures.
Local advocacy groups and Indiana residents have expressed increasing concerns regarding the state’s escalating involvement in the Trump administration’s immigration enforcement objectives. These concerns have intensified in recent months, as the scope of Indiana’s cooperation with federal initiatives becomes more apparent.
The executive order signed by Governor Braun in January further consolidated Indiana’s role. This order specifically instructed Indiana law enforcement agencies to “fully cooperate” with the federal crackdown on illegal immigration. This encompasses a broad mandate to investigate, arrest, and detain undocumented immigrants, marking a significant shift in the state – level enforcement stance.
The establishment of facilities such as the “Speedway Slammer” represents a pivotal component of the Trump administration’s intensified national strategy to manage and curtail illegal immigration. By expanding detention capacity and promoting self – deportation, the administration aims to create a more robust system for identifying, detaining, and ultimately removing non – citizens from the country.
The collaborative model between federal agencies and state governments, as exemplified by the partnerships in Indiana and Florida, underscores a decentralized yet coordinated approach to immigration enforcement. These state – level commitments are integral to the broader federal objectives, enabling a wider geographical coverage in detention and deportation endeavors.
As Indiana gears up for the inauguration of the “Speedway Slammer” and the potential utilization of Camp Atterbury, these developments highlight a significant transformation in the landscape of U.S. immigration policy. These initiatives indicate a decisive step towards expanded enforcement and detention, with implications that extend to legal frameworks, humanitarian considerations, and the very essence of state – federal relations in addressing complex national issues.
The emergence of new facilities like Florida’s ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ and Indiana’s ‘Speedway Slammer’ reflects a coordinated national strategy to overhaul immigration enforcement, establishing a new framework for detention and deportation through federal direction and state cooperation, which will undoubtedly face significant public and political scrutiny as these policies are implemented.
