Former AZ State Prison Closed by Governor Hobbs Set To Reopen As ICE Detention Center

The former Arizona State Prison in Marana is slated to reopen as a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention center under a signed federal contract, drawing opposition from activists who are urging town officials to intervene through licensing and land-use regulations.

Management & Training Corporation signed the agreement Sept. 29 and announced Sept. 30 that it anticipated opening the facility within 60 days, according to Arizona Public Media’s reporting. The Utah-based operator projected capacity for 775 detainees and approximately 338 full-time employees.

In a post to X highlighting deportation operations in Arizona, Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin praised ICE officers and pledged to continue removals. “Yesterday morning in Arizona, the deportation planes were revved up to send illegal aliens HOME,” he wrote.

Yesterday morning in Arizona, the deportation planes were revved up to send illegal aliens HOME.

We will not rest until every one of these criminal invaders has been removed from our homeland.

God bless our @ICEgov law enforcement officers for making America safe again. 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/6hcUhwVDKz

— Secretary Markwayne Mullin (@SecMullinDHS) October 17, 2026

Marana officials acknowledged the agreement Sept. 30, saying the town is not a party to the contract and that the property’s existing zoning permits correctional use. The town said it lacks authority to determine whether the privately owned facility operates as a prison or an immigration detention center.

The agreement follows Arizona’s decision to end its prison contract with MTC effective Dec. 31, 2023. In its announcement of the closure, Gov. Katie Hobbs’ administration cited declining occupancy and the cost of maintaining unused beds.

The Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation and Reentry said the minimum-security prison had averaged approximately 225 inmates over several years, while its contract required payment for nearly 475 beds. Officials projected savings of approximately $15 million over two fiscal years by transferring inmates to other Arizona prisons.

MTC purchased the shuttered property from the Arizona Department of Administration in July 2025, AZPM reported. Federal procurement records cited by the outlet describe a contract exceeding $355 million for detention-related housing, transportation and medical services.

Opponents are challenging the town’s position on its authority. At a gathering outside the Ed Honea Marana Municipal Complex, members of Pima Resists ICE, known as PRICE, called for officials to use business licenses, building permits, zoning and nuisance provisions to prevent the opening or impose oversight, KGUN reported.

“ICE can’t give MTC a business license or a building permit. Only Marana can,” attorney and PRICE member Daniela Ugaz said.

Ugaz said attorneys working with the group had challenged whether a privately operated detention center qualifies as a permitted use under the property’s zoning. The group also raised concerns about water consumption, wastewater, lighting, traffic and demands on emergency services.

Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ-07) participated in the gathering and said she intended to conduct oversight visits if the facility opens, according to KGUN’s report.

Mayor Jon Post has said residents have expressed support for and opposition to the project. In the town’s September statement, he said Marana police would coordinate with law-enforcement partners and the facility’s operators on community safety.

MTC has pledged to operate the detention center safely, comply with federal detention requirements and provide humane treatment. In a company statement reported by Arizona Luminaria, communications director Emily Lawhead said preparations would focus on “meeting and exceeding ICE’s National Detention Standards (NDS), and providing compassionate care to the people entrusted to us.”

The company’s September announcement provided an anticipated opening window rather than a specific opening date.