Published on June 19, 2026
MARANA- The Town of Marana is aware of community questions following a recent Department of Homeland Security (DHS) public notice regarding the proposed use of the existing prison in Marana as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center.
Following the DHS notice, the Town contacted Management Training Corporation (MTC) to seek clarification regarding the facility’s proposed operational capacity. MTC confirmed that operations are expected to hold approximately 500 individuals with the potential to increase to a maximum of 775 within the existing facility. MTC has further stated that they have no plans to expand the facility to accommodate 1,300 individuals, despite references to that figure in the DHS notice. According to MTC, a 1,300 capacity is not part of their proposal to DHS or ICE and is not included in any plans they submitted for the facility.
The DHS notice states that the modifications would not result in construction of new buildings or the addition of large, permanent, paved areas and that any modifications to the existing facility would remain within the current footprint and would not extend into previously undisturbed areas.
Mayor Jon Post has emphasized that the Town’s position regarding the facility’s capacity has remained consistent.
“Our conversations with MTC have always been clear that the Town does not support expanding the facility beyond the 775-person capacity,” said Mayor Jon Post. “The reference to a potential capacity of 1,300 in the DHS notice was the first time we heard of that number. MTC has since confirmed that they are not seeking to expand the facility to 1,300 and that no such expansion is included in their proposal.”
The existing facility is already appropriately zoned for correctional use. As a result, the Town does not have authority over whether the facility is operated as a prison or an ICE detention center.