Indiana
Warden resigns from Indiana prison housing hundreds of ICE detainees
What to know about the ‘Speedway Slammer’ ICE detainee facility in Indiana
Miami Correctional Facility can house up to 1,000 ICE detainees.
The warden of an Indiana prison that serves as one of the Midwest’s largest Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention centers has departed his role as head of the maximum security facility.
Brian English, who ran Miami Correctional Facility in Bunker Hill, announced his exit on LinkedIn.
“After much reflection, I’ve decided to take the next step in my career and will be transitioning out of my role at the Miami Correctional Facility,” he wrote. “Closing this chapter has reminded me just how much can change when a team decides to move forward together.”
English’s announcement described the prison as a “difficult place” recovering from lockdowns, strained community relations and severe staffing shortages when he first took over in October 2022.
“Over the past three years and nine months, we’ve strengthened operations of a maximum-security prison, with a minimum-security unit, infirmary unit and a newly opened 1,000‑bed ICE detention facility,” he wrote. “We rebuilt community relations, expanded partnerships with law enforcement and Grissom Air Force Base, doubled volunteer engagement, grew programming, and improved staffing and retention in meaningful ways.”
English confirmed in a telephone call to IndyStar that Friday, June 26, was his last day on the job.
“I no longer work there,” he said via phone. “I don’t really have any comment about it. I’m just taking some time off, and I’ll be pursuing other opportunities.”
When asked if he was leaving on his own or had forced out, English told IndyStar the decision was “totally his decision.”
“That’s all I’m going to really comment about,” he said. “It was my decision to go.”
The prison, which Trump administration officials nicknamed the “Speedway Slammer” despite local protestations, has continued to suffer from serious problems during English’s tenure. An IndyStar investigation found that violence and drug use were rampant at the facility before it began accepting ICE detainees in October.
Last summer, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced that the prison would become an ICE detention site, housing up to 1,000 detainees, as part of President Donald Trump’s crackdown on immigration. Two detainees have since died at the facility, which as of last month housed more than 600 immigration detainees in addition to about 1,800 state prisoners.
Concerns about conditions at the prison have prompted calls to shut down ICE detention at the facility from U.S. Rep. André Carson, faith leaders and civil liberty advocates. They say detainees have complained of inadequate medical care, inconsistent food service and difficulties maintaining their hygiene.
Although state officials have said the arrangement with ICE will be profitable, delayed payments from the federal government have resulted in expenditures exceeding revenue. Prison officials have said they expect that to change as the arrangement continues.
It’s unclear who will run the prison in the interim or if a new warden has been identified. The Indiana Department of Correction did not immediately respond to an IndyStar inquiry about English’s departure. Neither did ICE.
Contact IndyStar investigative reporter Alexandria Burris at aburris@indystar.com. Follow her on X, formerly Twitter, at @allyburris and on Bluesky at@allymburris.bsky.social.
INDIANA (WPTA) – The Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles and Indiana State Police are addressing online rumors about the BMV’s new license plate design.
The BMV says that when they post about the Blackout plates on their social media accounts, they receive comments claiming the design makes it easier for plate recognition cameras, like Flock, to read.
WATCH: Fort Wayne Flock camera showdown reflects nationwide debate | Story continues below
ISP confirmed that Automated License Plate Recognition cameras can read all Indiana plates with the same efficiency and accuracy as the Blackout version.
Police say the color and design of a license plate do not impact the camera’s ability to read it.
“I wouldn’t want Hoosiers to miss out on the Blackout plate because of incorrect information,” Indiana BMV Commissioner Kevin Garvey says. “The Blackout plate’s purpose is to give our customers more choices when it comes to their plate design. It’s simply a fun style choice.”
The BMV says more than 240,000 Hoosiers have purchased the Blackout plate since its release in August 2025. Learn more about it here.
Copyright 2026 WPTA. All rights reserved.
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — Calling all artists! The Indiana Department of Natural Resources is accepting art and photo submissions to use for the hard-card licenses for hunting, fishing, and trapping.
A press release from DNR Wednesday said Hoosiers of all ages can enter up to two of their nature and wildlife-themed works of art for a chance to be featured on next year’s cards. The cards will be available for purchase in early 2027.
Five entries will be chosen. All 2-D mediums — photography, painting, drawing, graphic design — are eligible. Art generated by artificial intelligence (AI) will not be accepted.
This year’s categories include Deer, Wild Turkey, Fish, Wildlife (Other), and Indiana Landscapes.
Artists can submit their art to DFWcontests@dnr.IN.gov. The entry submission deadline is July 31, by 11:59 p.m. ET.
More information and contest guidelines can be found here.
MISSOULA, Mont. — Two Indiana men accused of helping illegally obtain oxycodone from Montana pharmacies have pleaded guilty to federal charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jaylan Javier Wash, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone.
Wash faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Brandon Lavelle Winfrey, 32, who went by “Juice,” pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone.
Winfrey faces up to 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Sentencing is set for Nov. 10, 2026, in Missoula.
The following was sent out by U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Montana:
Two men from Indiana who helped illegally obtain oxycodone from Montana pharmacies have admitted to charges, Acting U.S. Attorney Mark Steger Smith said.
Jaylan Javier Wash, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to one count of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute oxycodone. Wash faces 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
Brandon Lavelle Winfrey, 32, who went by “Juice,” pleaded guilty Tuesday to one count of possession with intent to distribute oxycodone. Winfrey faces 20 years in prison, a $1 million fine, three years of supervised release and a $100 special assessment.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Kathleen L. DeSoto presided at the change of plea and U.S. District Court Judge Dana L. Christensen will determine a sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors. Sentencing was set for Nov. 10, 2026, in Missoula. Winfrey and Wash were released pending further proceedings.
The government alleged in court documents that Winfrey and Wash, along with a group of associates, used fake prescriptions to illegally obtain oxycodone. The Chicago-based outfit flew into Montana, visited various pharmacies across the state, and used falsified prescriptions to get oxycodone and other controlled substances. Several members of the group would give the oxycodone to Winfrey and Wash, who then distributed it. Winfrey and Wash paid for expenses and directed group members which pharmacies to hit and when to enter.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office is prosecuting the case. The FBI and DEA conducted the investigation.
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