Indiana is moving forward with plans to open a high-capacity immigration detention center called the “Speedway Slammer,” designed to house illegal immigrants awaiting deportation.
The facility is expected to accommodate up to 1,000 individuals, according to Fox News, and will be a key part of the state’s participation in federal immigration enforcement.
State officials are coordinating with U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement (ICE) to finalize the project, which is part of ICE’s nationwide effort to expand detention capacity by 80,000 beds over the next year.
The center will help manage illegal immigrants apprehended in urban areas such as Chicago and other metropolitan regions where enforcement demands have increased.
Gov. Mike Braun (R) highlighted the collaboration.
“We are proud to work with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they remove the worst of the worst with this innovative partnership,” he 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 comes through the Big, Beautiful Bill, legislation signed last month by President Donald Trump, which provides resources for states expanding detention and enforcement programs alongside federal authorities.
The measure enables Indiana to play