The Department of Homeland Security announced plans on Aug. 5 to partner with the state of Indiana to house 1,000 unused beds for ICE detention space in the Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, Indiana, calling it the “Speedway Slammer.”
According to a press release from DHS, the facility marks the second state partnership to expand ICE detention space after Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz.” President Donald Trump’s HR 1, “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” passed on July 4 funded the expansion of 80,000 ICE detention beds, according to the press release.
“Today, we’re announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds,” DHS Secretary Kristi Noem said in an X post. “Thanks to Governor Braun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country.”
Noem encouraged people living in the U.S. illegally to self-deport using the CPB Home App to avoid arrest.
“We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership,” Gov. Mike Braun said in the DHS press release. “Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration and will continue to lead the way among states.”
Braun signed an executive order in January aligning with President Trump’s stance on combating illegal immigration. He ordered law enforcement agencies to fully cooperate with ICE and perform the functions of immigration officers in relation to the individuals illegally or unlawfully present in the United States if necessary and appropriate.
U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth revealed on July 15 in a letter to members of Congress a plan to house 1,000 beds for individuals detained by ICE at Camp Atterbury in Edinburgh, Indiana, a training facility for the Indiana National Guard.
The facility is to be temporarily used by DHS. There is not a confirmed date for when either of the detention centers will open.
