(The Hill) — IndyCar pushed back on recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) use of racing imagery in connection with a state partnership to house detainees in Indiana.
“We were unaware of plans to incorporate our imagery as part of yesterday’s announcement. Consistent with our approach to public policy and political issues, we are communicating our preference that our [intellectual property] not be utilized moving forward in relation to this matter,” IndyCar said in an emailed statement to The Hill on Wednesday.
In a post on the social platform X on Tuesday, DHS posted a picture of a vehicle that looks like those used in IndyCar racing branded with the initials for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) next to a prison.
DHS announced Tuesday it had signed another state partnership to house detainees in Indiana. It comes after Florida’s “Alligator Alcatraz” and will increase ICE space to detain migrants.
The extra bed space, dubbed the “Speedway Slammer” in reference to Indiana racetracks, is in an existing prison located around 65 miles north of Indianapolis.
“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,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said in a statement.
“Thanks to [GOP] Governor [Mike] Braun for his partnership to help remove the worst of the worst out of 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.”
