Photo: Alamy
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on Tuesday announced plans for a new federal immigration detention facility in Indiana, dubbed the “Speedway Slammer,” which will add 1,000 new beds to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention network.
The announcement, made via Noem’s account on X, highlighted a partnership with Indiana state officials to expand detention capacity and strengthen immigration enforcement in the region.
“COMING SOON to Indiana: a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds,” Noem wrote.
The new facility will be located at the Miami Correctional Facility at the Grissom Joint Air Reserve Base, approximately an hour north of Indianapolis and near the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The site’s nickname refers to the famous racing location.
The practice of assigning informal names to detention sites began with the “Alligator Alcatraz” facility in Florida’s Everglades, which is known for its remote, wildlife-surrounded location.
Noem credited Indiana Republican Gov. Mike Braun for facilitating the agreement, saying his collaboration was essential to the project’s development.
“Thanks to @GovBraun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country,” she said.
Braun announced Indiana’s expanded cooperation with federal immigration enforcement last week. In addition to the new ICE detention facility, Indiana has entered into an agreement allowing certain state law enforcement officers to carry out ICE enforcement duties under federal supervision.
“We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership,” said Indiana Governor Mike Braun. “Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration and will continue to lead the way among states.”
Future cooperation may also involve the Indiana National Guard and further participation in federal immigration enforcement programs, according to Braun.
Noem, who has recently hinted at similar partnerships with other states, also issued a warning to noncitizens residing in the country without legal status.
“If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indiana’s Speedway Slammer,” she wrote. “Avoid arrest and self deport now using the @CBP Home App.”