Abandoned Marana Prison Returns to Original Owner for Private Redevelopment

Arizona’s Legislature has rejected a proposal to lease the defunct Marana prison to the federal government for $1 a year, opting instead to sell the facility to its previous operator, Management and Training Corporation (MTC), based in Utah.

The abandoned prison, located north of Tucson, was sold for $15 million. This decision comes after Governor Katie Hobbs approved its closure due to declining prison populations necessitating budget cuts.

Local lawmakers from Tucson expressed their frustration at being excluded from the discussions surrounding the sale. Their concerns are rooted in the lack of communication about the deal, which was confirmed on April 30 and raised significant apprehension regarding potential housing of federal immigration detainees.

MTC plans to utilize the 500-bed facility as a detention center, although specific operational details and timelines for reopening remain unclear. The facility, which employed around 100 staff members before its closure, has a storied history as Arizona’s first private prison since its inception in the mid-1990s.

During the legislative session, a 48-10 vote on May 1 dispelled the proposal by Senator John Kavanagh aimed at leasing the prison temporarily for immigration purposes. Local representatives criticized the lack of community consultation, questioning the implications for Marana residents.

Rep. Rachel Keshel voiced concerns over the potential risks of housing criminal immigrants, emphasizing the need for transparency and dialogue with local officials. Fellow representative Kevin Volk mirrored her sentiments, highlighting that the proposal lacked community involvement and seemed politically motivated.

Terry Rozema, Marana’s town manager, disclosed that he was unaware of the selling agreement despite discussions with interested parties. He expressed a desire for the prison to reopen, citing positive contributions to the local economy and community service initiatives provided by previous inmate work programs.

As MTC has extensive experience managing detention centers and other facilities, there are hopes that its return could revitalize the area economically. However, Rozema noted uncertainties regarding the possibility of using the facility for local workforce needs if it becomes an ICE detention center.