Following the disputed opening of "Alligator Alcatraz" in Florida, the Department of Homeland Security has announced a second state partnership with Indiana to open the 1,000-bed "Speedway Slammer" at the Miami Correctional Center, which will house "some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens" arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Micah Clark, executive director of the American Family Association of Indiana, says there is already a prison at the former Grissom Air Force Base, which was downsized and renamed the Grissom Air Reserve Base in 1991. The facility is not being used, so he thinks "it makes perfect sense to use that for this crisis we have with this illegal invasion that we had on the border."
He also makes note of the nickname, which is a nod to Indiana's auto racing culture.
"The actual location of this detention center is nowhere near the Speedway. It's about an hour north or more of Indianapolis," he explains. "In fact, the Indianapolis Speedway is not very happy about that logo or that nickname."
DHS initially posted an AI generated image of an IndyCar with "ICE" on the side last week, but the photo was deleted after IndyCar Series spoke out against the promotion.
But Clark is glad his state is joining Florida in saying, "Hey, we've got space, and we'll help out."
The facility can hold over 3,100 inmates and currently has about 1,200 empty beds.
ICE's partnership with the Indiana Department of Corrections was made possible by the One Big Beautiful Bill, which fully funds the 287(g) program and secures 80,000 new beds for ICE to utilize when detaining and deporting.
Last week, U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams issued a temporary restraining order on "Alligator Alcatraz," pausing construction for 14 days as attorneys argue whether the facility violates environmental laws.
The temporary restraining order does not affect any detainees staying at the facility or incoming detainees.
