Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem drew swift backlash on Tuesday after unveiling plans for a new migrant detention center in Indiana — which she dubbed the “Speedway Slammer.”
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Noem announced a partnership with Indiana Gov. Mike Braun (R) to expand detention capacity by 1,000 beds at Miami Correctional Facility near Bunker Hill.
It will “help remove the worst of the worst out of our country,” she wrote.
“COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer,” Noem boosted.
“If you are in America illegally, you could find yourself in Indiana’s Speedway Slammer. Avoid arrest and self deport now using the @CBP Home App,” she added.
Critics condemned the announcement as disgusting, cruel and dehumanizing, calling out the Trump administration’s broader approach to immigration enforcement. They also slammed the center’s “stupid” name.
Many compared the branding of the facility to Florida’s migrant detention center that Republicans have dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz” because it’s surrounded by snakes and alligators.