The Department of Homeland Security announced on August 5 the new partnership with Indiana to expand the amount of beds used for detainees of ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) at the Miami Correctional Center, a maximum-security prison, about 70 miles north of Indianapolis. Following the same ideals as “Alligator Alcatraz,” it will be called “Speedway Slammer,” in reference to Indiana’s racing culture.
The Department of Homeland Security says that the “Speedway Slammer” will house the, “worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens arrested by ICE.”
This is similar to what President Trump had said about “Alligator Alcatraz,” saying that the facility would have, “some of the most menacing migrants, some of the most vicious people on the planet.” However, hundreds of detainees at “Alligator Alcatraz” have no criminal record at all.
As of June 29, federal records showed that ICE detained about 57,861 people. 41,495 or about 72% of which had no criminal records or convictions. Government officials are claiming that those who have no criminal convictions are terrorists, abusers, and gangsters.
“Speedway Slammer” is coming to Indiana because of the ‘one big, beautiful bill’ signed into law by Trump on July 4. The law provides 80,000 beds for ICE detention centers and oversees the collaboration with ICE. Along with the center in Florida, it is meant to be a, “stopping point before individuals in the country illegally are deported.”
Secretary of Homeland Security, Kristi Noem, thanked Governor Mike 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,” Noem added, telling people to self deport if they wish to avoid arrest.
Braun said that Indiana is, "proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership.”
Indiana Republican Senator Jim Banks posted his support on X, saying “Indiana is proud to do our effort to support President Trump’s mass deportation efforts.”
Homeland Security posted an AI-generated image promoting the “Speedway Slammer” on its X account.
Photo Courtesy of @DHSgov on X
INDYCAR and the Indianapolis Motor Speedway are apparently not pleased with the branding and promotion tied to Speedway and the Indianapolis racing industry, as they were unaware that they would be used for branding and promotional purposes.
“Consistent with our approach to public policy and political issues, we are communicating our preference that our IP [intellectual property] not be utilized moving forward in relation to this matter,” they said in a statement to IndyStar.
Due to this unethical branding, it may have an impact on the Indy 500 and the fans, as this could be interpreted as a partnership between the government and IMS. This could potentially deter some supporters and impact engagement within the sport itselff.
Despite these claims and pushback from Hoosiers and Democrats, “Speedway Slammer” is expected to take off quickly, although there is no established timeline yet, following in “Alligator Alcatraz”’s footsteps and leading toward a less diverse America and a government that does not hold up to its constitutional values.
Taylor Goebes (she/her) is an undergraduate studying professional and public writing. Outside of writing, Taylor enjoys reading, crafting, being outside, and spending time with her cats and favorite people.
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