The Marana community deserves a voice in what happens to the former state prison near Silverbell and Sanders Road. Right now, that site could be turned into a privately-operated ICE detention center, and local residents were never asked if that’s what they want in their town.

The facility was purchased for $15 million by the Management and Training Corporation (MTC), a private prison company that already operates multiple ICE detention centers around the country. At a recent community forum, hundreds of people came forward to say they are deeply concerned about the impact this facility could have. Many cited past abuses and lack of accountability in similar centers run by private contractors. Others raised concerns about transparency and oversight, which MTC has so far failed to provide.

ICE detention centers have a documented history of inhumane conditions, medical neglect, and profit-driven cost-cutting. That’s not the kind of institution we want opening quietly in our backyard.

MTC has said they’re in talks with “several public agencies” about using the site but won’t say who. Meanwhile, the Department of Homeland Security has made it clear they want to expand detention capacity in Arizona. That puts Marana directly in the crosshairs for a facility that could detain thousands, without community input or oversight.

This isn’t just about one building. It’s about what kind of future we want for Marana. We believe in a welcoming, transparent, and humane community — not one that profits from incarceration and fear.

We are calling on the Town of Marana, the Arizona Department of Corrections, and federal officials to reject any plan that would turn this facility into an ICE detention center. The people of Marana have spoken, and we say no.

Sign this petition to stand with your neighbors and demand a better path forward for our town.

 
 Photo: Arizona Capitol Times