Arizona Sells Marana Prison to ICE Facility Operator Amid Detention Bed Demand

The private prison in Marana, Arizona, which was the state's first private facility, has been sold back to its original builder, Management & Training Corporation (MTC), for $15 million after being closed in 2023. While MTC has not officially confirmed the prison's future use, local officials and company representatives have indicated that it may be repurposed as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. The facility, which has 500 beds, was closed by Governor Katie Hobbs due to a decreased need for state prison beds, and the Trump administration's expansion of immigration detention capacity has raised expectations for federal use. State Senator John Kavanagh supports the idea of leasing the prison to ICE, suggesting it could double its capacity and expedite removal processes for undocumented immigrants. Local residents have expressed mixed feelings, with some concerned about the impact on the community and potential protests, while others emphasize humane treatment of detainees. The reopening timeline and staffing plans remain unclear, with updates pending as more information becomes available.