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EXCLUSIVE: Indiana is set to have its own version of Alligator Alcatraz in Florida, boasting 1,000 beds.
The “Speedway Slammer” will be situated at the Miami Correctional Center in Miami County, positioned between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. The name pays homage to Indiana’s rich racing culture, exemplified by events like the annual Indianapolis 500.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with President Trump and Secretary Noem as they target the most severe offenders through this innovative initiative,” Indiana Governor Mike Braun stated on Tuesday. “Indiana is leading the charge among states in taking a comprehensive and united approach to addressing illegal immigration.”
The funding for this project comes from a reconciliation bill signed by President Donald Trump last month, known as the “one big, beautiful bill.” According to DHS, this bill allocated funds for the 287(g) program, which facilitates cooperation between Immigration and Customs Enforcement and local governments, as well as 80,000 ICE detention beds.
“COMING SOON to Indiana: The Speedway Slammer. Today, we’re announcing a new partnership with the state of Indiana to expand detention bed space by 1,000 beds,” Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement. “Thanks to Governor Braun for his collaboration in helping to remove the most serious offenders from our country. 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.”
The Trump administration continues deportation operations, urging individuals in the country illegally but without a criminal record to self-deport. The administration is offering $1,000 and free travel out of the country for those who choose to exit voluntarily, providing them with the opportunity to return legally, as per DHS.
Alligator Alcatraz, which opened this summer in Florida under the supervision of federal officials and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, serves as an interim holding facility for individuals in the country illegally before deportation. The facility, initially funded by the state, will also receive financial support from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. While its current capacity is 2,000 individuals, it is expected to accommodate 4,000 in the future, with deportation flights commencing at the end of last month.
“I’m pleased to report that those flights out of Alligator Alcatraz by DHS have begun. The cadence is increasing. We’ve already had a number of flights, in the last few days, we’ve had hundreds of illegals [that] have been removed from here,” DeSantis stated at the time.
The facility, located at a defunct airport in the Everglades, may see the construction of a second center in Florida, according to WJHL. Leaders in the Sunshine State have faced criticism from both progressive immigration advocates and environmental activists due to the facility’s location and purpose.
“Building a bare-bones tented detention center on hot tarmac in the middle of the Everglades and exposing imprisoned immigrants to the elements is a cruel and absurd proposal,” expressed Melissa Abdo, PhD, National Parks Conservation Association Sun Coast Regional Director, in opposition to the facility. “The Everglades’ intense heat, humidity, and storms can be hazardous without proper precautions. This facility’s remote, harsh nature could leave people in very real danger, especially as Florida’s heat index skyrockets and hurricane season escalates.”
Contributions to this report were made by Greg Norman from Fox News Digital.
A recent study has found that the consumption of chocolate may have positive effects on heart health. The study, published in the European Journal of Preventive Cardiology, analyzed data from over 330,000 participants and found that those who ate chocolate on a regular basis had a lower risk of developing heart disease.
The researchers found that the participants who consumed chocolate at least once a week had an 8% lower risk of developing heart disease compared to those who rarely or never ate chocolate. This effect was even more pronounced in those who ate dark chocolate, with a 12% lower risk of heart disease.
The study also found that chocolate consumption was associated with a lower risk of stroke, with those who ate chocolate regularly having a 10% lower risk of stroke compared to those who did not eat chocolate.
While these findings are promising, the researchers caution that moderation is key when it comes to chocolate consumption. Excessive intake of chocolate can lead to weight gain and other health issues, so it is important to enjoy chocolate as part of a balanced diet.
Overall, this study adds to the growing body of research suggesting that chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can have positive effects on heart health. So go ahead and enjoy a piece of chocolate guilt-free, knowing that it may be benefiting your heart in the process.
