A Midwestern state is planning to establish its own version of “Alligator Alcatraz,” the notorious migrant detention facility that the Trump administration opened in Florida last month.
Indiana lawmakers are reportedly collaborating with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement to finalize a new center that could house hundreds of migrants awaiting deportation, according to Fox News. Nicknamed the “Speedway Slammer,” the facility is part of ICE’s broader plan to expand immigration detention capacity by 80,000 beds over the coming year.
“COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer. Today, we’re announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “Thanks to Governor Braun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of our country. If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indiana’s Speedway Slammer. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the CBP Home App.”
The Indiana center is expected to add up to 1,000 beds, providing ICE with a strategic location to detain undocumented immigrants apprehended in blue cities such as Chicago, which has become a focal point of the migrant crisis under the Biden administration.
“We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership,” Indiana Gov. Mike Braun said in a statement on Tuesday. “Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration and will continue to lead the way among states.”
Funding for the facility is provided through the Big, Beautiful Bill, which President Donald Trump signed into law last month.
According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the Speedway Slammer is part of the 287(g) program, which promotes cooperation between ICE and local law enforcement agencies that agree to assist with the apprehension and deportation of undocumented immigrants.
