More than a dozen Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees arrived Wednesday at the Miami Correctional Facility, marking the first group housed at the northern Indiana prison since it was officially designated as a detention center. State officials say the number could grow to 100 by the end of the week.
The state of Indiana has committed about $16 million to update the facility, which will provide up to 1,000 beds for male detainees. Under a contract between ICE and the state, Indiana will receive $291.94 per detainee, per day.
Governor Mike Braun highlighted the move during an appearance with the Indiana State Police, reiterating his administration’s stance on immigration enforcement.
“From the beginning, I’ve said Indiana is going to be a state that’s going to cooperate with ICE,” Braun told reporters. “We’re not going to be a sanctuary state. It does take a while to ramp things up, and you’re seeing the beginning of it.” He added that the state intends to remain accommodating to the Department of Homeland Security.
The decision has sparked opposition. Earlier this week, local clergy held a prayer vigil outside the prison to protest its use for immigration detention.
Braun’s event Wednesday was largely intended to recognize the work of the Indiana State Police, though he did not directly reference the agency’s partnership with ICE. Through a memorandum of understanding with ICE under the 287(g) program, state police officers are granted limited immigration enforcement authority during routine duties.
Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has stated that immigration enforcement operations will continue as normal, despite the ongoing federal government shutdown.