Former AZ Prison Eyed for ICE Detention Center

Marana facility previously operated by private prison company MTC could house 513 detainees

Published on Feb. 28, 2026

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The Department of Homeland Security is reportedly looking to turn a former state prison facility in Marana, Arizona into an ICE detention center. The building was previously operated by the private prison company MTC but has been vacant since the state ended its contract in 2023. ICE has published a notice stating it intends to award MTC a sole-source contract to operate the detention facility, which could hold up to 513 male detainees.

Why it matters

The potential new ICE detention center in Marana is part of a broader expansion of immigration detention capacity in Arizona, with another 1,500-bed facility planned for Surprise. This has raised concerns from some local leaders and advocacy groups about the impact on immigrant communities and the potential for overcrowding and abuse in these facilities.

The details

The former state prison facility in Marana was operated by Management and Training Corporation (MTC), a Utah-based company, from 1994 until the Arizona Department of Corrections ended the contract in 2023. The state then sold the property back to MTC for $15 million. ICE has now published a notice stating it intends to award MTC a sole-source contract to operate the Marana detention center, which could house up to 513 male detainees and employ nearly 31 staff.

  • The Arizona Department of Corrections ended its contract with MTC in 2023.
  • The state of Arizona sold the former prison back to MTC in the summer of 2023.
  • ICE published a public notice in February 2026 stating its intent to award MTC a contract to operate the Marana detention facility.

The players

Management and Training Corporation (MTC)

A Utah-based private prison company that previously operated the Marana facility and is now in line to run the potential new ICE detention center there.

Arizona Department of Corrections, Rehabilitation & Reentry

The state agency that ended its contract with MTC to operate the Marana prison facility in 2023.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)

The federal agency that has published a notice stating its intent to award MTC a contract to operate the Marana detention center.

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What they’re saying

“There is still a formal process ahead, and no final contract has been signed. If an agreement is finalized, our focus will remain on restoring good local jobs, supporting the Marana economy, and operating the facility with high standards of safety, professionalism, and dignity.”

— MTC (FOX 10)

“We don't trust them. They are overcrowding everywhere and this facility in particular is a regional facility. This is not about cleaning up crime in the streets of Surprise. This is about bringing in every undocumented immigrant that they can find throughout the state. We've been hearing for weeks now that some surge in ICE activity is coming and I believe it's dependent upon facilities like this opening, which is why we need to stop it.”

— Brent Peak, Co-chair of Northwest Valley Indivisible (FOX 10)

“Many people are just here looking for a better life for their family. They didn't do it the right way, but I understand the reason they're doing it. America did leave the border open. Whether you like Joe Biden or not—and I did not—he practically sent out invitations to the world to come to america so we have people here we need to figure out what to do.”

— Lisa Everett, Republican activist (FOX 10)

What’s next

The Surprise ICE detention facility is expected to open sometime this year, while the status of the potential Marana facility remains uncertain as ICE has only published a notice of intent and no final contract has been signed.

The takeaway

The planned expansion of ICE detention capacity in Arizona, including the potential new facility in Marana, has sparked concerns from local leaders and advocacy groups about the impact on immigrant communities and the potential for overcrowding and abuse in these facilities. The situation highlights the ongoing debate over immigration policy and the role of private prisons in the detention system.