In Tucson, the prospect of a new ICE detention center in nearby Marana drew over 200 local residents to an elementary school for a town hall meeting. Concerns and questions about the potential facility were voiced to a panel of legal experts, with the event being moderated by Pima County Supervisor Jenn Allen.
Joanna Ryan, a military veteran and former correctional officer, shared her perspective on the issue. Reflecting on her 10 years of experience at Tucson’s federal prison, she stated, “This is bad for Tucson, this isn’t what Tucson represents as a people,” highlighting the inhumane conditions and increased violence that could affect both staff and detainees.
Longtime Marana resident and veteran Clement DeLarge voiced concerns about the potential increase in ICE presence in the community, stating, “That’s going to change everything for everybody around here if it does.” He emphasized due process issues for immigrants and expressed disappointment over low turnout from Marana, attributing it to insufficient notice about the meeting.
Despite community concerns, the future of the proposed facility remains uncertain. Marana officials acknowledged discussions with MCL regarding zoning, yet the company has not confirmed its intentions. MCL operates various detention facilities nationwide.
Maximiliano Torres, a Tucson resident, drew parallels between the possible detention center and past immigration enforcement policies like Arizona’s SB1070. “They criminalized coming across the border without authorization, which is a civil misdemeanor, it’s not a criminal act,” he explained, emphasizing the financial incentives for private prisons.
Immigration attorney Mo Goldman highlighted the financial burden of detention, stating, “Who actually pays for the detainment of these individuals? All of us, we pay for that,” as a reminder of taxpayer involvement in such operations.
Marana City Council member Patrick Cavanaugh expressed frustration over the town’s limited power to influence the decision, saying, “So there’s really nothing we can do, and that’s what’s really frustrating about this.” The council’s role in the process appears largely consultative.
More town hall meetings are anticipated as the community seeks clarity on the issue.
