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3w ago

DHS Persists With AI-Generated IndyCar-Style Image in Speedway Slammer Expansion

The department calls the AI-generated image free of infringement, remaining central to promotion of Indiana’s 1,000-bed ICE detention expansion.

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 19: IndyCar driver and 3rd fastest qualifier Pato O'Ward (5) poses with his car during the front row photo shoot for the 109th Running of the Indianapolis 500 on May 19, 2025, at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Brian Spurlock/Icon Sportswire) (Icon Sportswire via AP Images)
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Nolan Siegel, driver of the #6 Arrow McLaren Chevrolet, races during the NTT IndyCar Series109th Running Of The Indianapolis 500 at Indianapolis Motor Speedway on May 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Overview

  • DHS social media posts feature a computer-created race car emblazoned with ICE branding and the No. 5 linked to driver Pato O’Ward.
  • IndyCar officials and O’Ward stated they never authorized use of their intellectual property and asked DHS to stop deploying the imagery.
  • A DHS spokesperson rejected claims of IP violation, labeling infringement concerns “absurd” and pledging to retain the AI-generated design.
  • The promotional campaign coincides with a formal partnership to add 1,000 detention beds to the Bunker Hill ICE facility under the ‘Speedway Slammer’ plan.
  • ICE and state officials have described the new center as housing “the worst of the worst” criminal migrants as part of a broader federal-state detention expansion.