Indiana is the newest state to step up to help the Trump administration in its massive undertaking of carrying out the nation’s “largest-ever” deportation operation.
The state emerged in early August with formal plans to have state troopers go after illegal immigrants, as well as shifting part of a state correctional facility to be used to detain illegal immigrants.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem called in July for other states to step up and make space available for immigrant detainees within their facilities.
Indiana is the second state to physically allot space for illegal immigrant detainees following Florida last month, though the move has upset Democrats.
Rep. Rudy Yakym (R-IN), representing the region that will house immigrants, was happy to facilitate the process.
“Joe Biden’s open border policies let in millions, including violent criminal illegals. President Trump has done more than any other president to secure the border in just eight months,” Yakym said in a statement to the Washington Examiner. “Indiana is using its resources to keep criminal illegals off our streets and protect Hoosiers. With the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill, we’ve ensured Border Patrol and DHS have the tools they need to get the job done.”
Noem announced on Tuesday that Indiana had agreed to make 1,000 beds available at the Miami Correctional Facility, located about 100 miles southeast of Chicago.
“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,” Noem said in a statement. “If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indiana’s Speedway Slammer.”
The Speedway Slammer, an alliterative nickname referencing the famous Indianapolis Motor Speedway, will be the second facility in the nation to be proposed for a detention space.
“We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership,” said Gov. Mike Braun (R-IN) in a statement. “Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration and will continue to lead the way among states.”
In July, Florida debuted Alligator Alcatraz, a tent facility located deep in the Everglades where a couple of thousand people who have already been ordered deported by a judge are being detained as they await removal flights back home.
The Trump administration has yet to announce when the state prison will open to immigrant detainees. A spokesperson for Sen. Todd Young (R-IN) told the Washington Examiner that state officials are also waiting to learn more about what it will entail and when it will begin.
“Senator Young supports the administration’s efforts to deport criminal illegal aliens and enforce immigration law,” Young’s office wrote in an email Friday. “We are awaiting more information on how DHS will operate the Indiana facility.”
Rep. Andre Carson (D-IN), who represents nearby Indianapolis, rebuked the news of the Speedway Slammer and called attention to recent media reports that ICE had initially detained immigrants who were legally present.
“Report after report confirms that ICE is detaining legal, law-abiding immigrants. It is illegal, unjust, and does nothing to make us safer — these families do not pose a threat to our community,” Carson wrote in a post to X, though he did not respond to a request for comment. “This administration’s rhetoric is inflaming hate, which actually makes our community less safe.”
In January, Braun signed an executive order calling on Indiana law enforcement to work with ICE, and agencies, including the Indiana Department of Corrections, Indiana State Police, Indiana National Guard, and the Indiana Department of Homeland Security, have reached agreements.
Indiana has already begun using its National Guard outpost, Camp Atterbury, to detain some ICE detainees.
Indiana’s efforts will be funded by the One Big, Beautiful Bill, which passed Congress earlier this summer and included funding for 80,000 additional ICE beds nationwide.
CHICAGO POLICE REFUSED TO TURN OVER 92% OF ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS IN CUSTODY TO ICE
Indiana state Senate Democratic Leader Shelli Yoder told the Washington Examiner that she was concerned the state’s efforts could turn it into a “police state” and opened up the possibility for people who are not illegal immigrants to be detained in her state.
“Branding a prison the ‘Speedway Slammer’ may make headlines, but detaining people without due process—including legal residents and even U.S. citizens — is not law and order,” Yoder wrote in a statement Friday. “It’s unconstitutional. It’s inhumane. And it puts public safety at risk.”