By Abby Jurek, Cronkite News
April 3, 2026
Plans for a New Detention Center Spark Controversy in Marana
MARANA – An abandoned prison on the outskirts of Tucson has remained dormant for years. Now, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) intends to repurpose the former Marana prison to accommodate undocumented immigrants. The plan has stirred considerable concern among local residents regarding its potential impact on community safety and well-being.
Community Voices Against the Project
Mary Romer, a Pima County resident and founding member of Pima Registos ICE (PRICE), a grassroots opposition group, expressed her apprehensions. “We already have significant law enforcement presence in Tucson. We don’t want that to increase, nor do we want to foster an environment of fear,” Romer remarked. She voiced particular concern for children’s safety, fearing the project could hinder their ability to attend school freely and access necessary support from their families.
Support for the Detention Center Stirs Division
Despite the criticism, not everyone in Marana shares Romer’s concerns. Some residents advocate for the project, viewing it as an opportunity for job creation. “Residents here are enthusiastic about the employment opportunities this facility could bring and prefer to see criminals detained rather than roaming freely in our community,” commented one supporter on a local Facebook thread. This sentiment reflects a broader divide in community opinion regarding the center.
Town Leadership Aims for Unity Amidst Polarized Views
Marana’s Town Manager, Terry Rozema, emphasized the importance of community harmony as discussions about the detention center continue. He pledged to “maintain order and unity” among residents regardless of their individual perspectives about the imminent changes.
Expansion of Detention Facilities Across the Nation
In late February, DHS made public its proposal to contract with the Arizona facility, overseeing the housing of more than 700 individuals while providing essential services such as security, food, and medical care. This revival of the facility aligns with ICE’s national initiative to expand its capacity to detain more immigrants, a move made feasible by recent funding increases.
Increased Funding and Detention Capacity
ICE spokesperson Fernando X. Burgos noted that recent legislative support has granted unprecedented funding, allowing the agency to aim for a daily immigration detention capacity of 100,000 individuals alongside the addition of 80,000 new beds. This growing capacity indicates a potential doubling of detainee numbers compared to last summer, when about 50,000 individuals were held daily, according to a Syracuse University analysis.
Ongoing Negotiations and Future Considerations
While Mayor Rozema confirmed that discussions about establishing a detention center have been occurring for nearly a year, no formal contract has yet been signed. He acknowledged that ICE had approached the town last April to explore the possibility of acquiring the facility. Rozema also indicated that ICE is likely to collaborate with the Management and Training Corporation (MTC), a private entity that has managed the site for nearly three decades. “The facility remains suitable for safe operations,” stated MTC’s communications director, Emily Lawhead.
Concerns Over Corporate Practices Raised
Critics have expressed unease regarding MTC’s past, pointing to allegations of humanitarian issues at its various managed facilities. Nevertheless, Rozema defended the partnership, recognizing ICE as a valuable collaborator. He remarked on the town’s commitment to ensuring that all residents, regardless of their circumstances, are treated with dignity and respect.
