Indiana DOC to House ICE Detainees at Miami Correctional Facility Starting Oct. 1

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana is preparing to house hundreds of ICE detainees at the Miami Correctional Facility under a new contract beginning October 1.

The Department of Correction (DOC) told lawmakers Wednesday it will need roughly $16 million for upgrades, including new fencing to separate detainees from state inmates, improved lighting, and temporary housing for added staff.

DOC Commissioner Lloyd Arnold said the federal government will pay $291 per detainee per day — significantly higher than the cost to house a state inmate. ICE has guaranteed at least 450 detainees a day for two years, which could bring about $79 million to Indiana. “We’re housing them, feeding them, giving them medical care. They’re getting their legal rights,” Arnold said.

Some lawmakers voiced concerns over treatment and due process. Rep. Ed DeLaney said, “I want Indiana known as the home of people who treat people decently,” while Sen. Fady Qaddoura emphasized the importance of upholding legal standards to maintain public trust.

To staff the operation, DOC plans to hire Indiana workers at $28 per hour to stay competitive. Arnold also invited lawmakers to visit the facility once detainees arrive.

If the facility fills all 1,000 beds, state revenue could exceed $200 million over the contract period.

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