ISTANBUL

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a partnership with the state of Indiana to expand Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention space by 1,000 beds.

ICE will collaborate with the Indiana Department of Corrections to utilize beds at the Miami Correctional Center, according to a statement from DHS.

The facility, dubbed the "Speedway Slammer," will house "criminal" immigrants arrested by ICE, it said Tuesday.

"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," said Secretary Kristi Noem.

It is the second state partnership to expand ICE detention capacity, following the controversial "Alligator Alcatraz" migrant detention center in the state of Florida.

Noem said earlier that the Trump administration hopes to replicate “Alligator Alcatraz” at new facilities near airports and jails across the country.

Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has intensified immigration crackdowns, increasing detention and deportations as part of his enforcement agenda.

Some immigrants have often been swiftly deported in recent months, leaving them no legal recourse to challenge their removal, or they have been taken to facilities far from their homes, with no access to legal counsel.