Indiana’s new “Speedway Slammer” is set to lock up unauthorized migrants with a bold, Trump-backed plan. The partnership between the Trump administration and Indiana’s state officials expands detention capacity to tackle what they call a pressing immigration challenge.
The Daily Caller reported that the Trump administration, alongside Indiana, unveiled a deal to add 1,000 detention beds at the Miami Correctional Center in Bunker Hill.
This initiative, dubbed the “Speedway Slammer” after the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway, is the state’s second collaboration with federal immigration authorities. It’s a clear signal that Indiana is doubling down on immigration enforcement.
The plan stems from the Big Beautiful Bill, which pumps tax dollars into ICE’s 287(g) program. This program hands local law enforcement the power to act as immigration officers, a move supporters say strengthens border security. Critics, however, argue it risks overreach and fuels division.
The “Speedway Slammer” targets those labeled the “worst of the worst” among unauthorized migrants. It’s a catchy name, but don’t let the flair fool you—this is about detaining and deporting individuals ICE deems a priority. The focus on criminal migrants aims to quell fears of unchecked immigration, though it’s bound to spark debate.
Indiana’s Department of Corrections is partnering with ICE to make this happen. The Miami Correctional Center will house the new beds, transforming part of the facility into a federal detention hub. It’s a practical step, but one that’s already drawing comparisons to Florida’s controversial Alligator Alcatraz.
Speaking of Florida, the “Speedway Slammer” follows the blueprint of Alligator Alcatraz, a 5,000-bed detention center in the Everglades.
That facility, built on a deserted airfield, costs taxpayers $450 million a year. Indiana’s project is smaller but carries the same tough-on-immigration vibe.
Indiana GOP Gov. Mike Braun announced the partnership on Aug. 1, 2025, with a nod to President Trump. “We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst,” Braun said. His enthusiasm underscores Indiana’s role as a leader in conservative immigration policy, though it’s a stance that’s not universally applauded.
Braun didn’t stop there. “Indiana is taking a comprehensive and collaborative approach to combating illegal immigration,” he declared.
It’s a line that plays well with MAGA supporters but might alienate those who see immigration as a complex humanitarian issue.
The 287(g) program is central to this effort, with agreements extending to the Indiana State Police and the Department of Corrections. This deputization of local forces is a cornerstone of the Trump administration’s immigration crackdown. Yet, it raises questions about whether local cops should be moonlighting as ICE agents.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem unveiled the “Speedway Slammer” on Aug. 5, 2025, with a clear message: “COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer.” Her announcement emphasized the 1,000 new beds as a win for law and order. But the celebratory tone glosses over the human cost of mass detention.
Noem didn’t mince words about the consequences. “If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indiana’s Speedway Slammer,” she warned, urging self-deportation via the CBP Home App. It’s a stark ultimatum that’s likely to polarize, even if it resonates with those fed up with lax enforcement.
The “Speedway Slammer” isn’t Indiana’s first rodeo with ICE. This is the state’s second partnership, building on a framework that’s already in motion. It’s a sign that Indiana is all-in on Trump’s immigration agenda, for better or worse.
Not everyone’s thrilled about the “Speedway Slammer.” A vigil outside Miami’s Krome Detention Center on May 24, 2025, protested ICE custody and mass deportations. It’s a reminder that while some see detention as justice, others view it as a step too far.
The Big Beautiful Bill’s funding of 80,000 new ICE beds nationwide shows the scale of this push. Indiana’s contribution is a fraction of that, but it’s a high-profile one. Critics argue this money could be better spent on schools or infrastructure, not cages.
Still, for conservatives, the “Speedway Slammer” is a symbol of taking back control. It’s a policy that aligns with the MAGA ethos of prioritizing American sovereignty over progressive ideals of open borders. Whether it delivers justice or division depends on where you stand.
