Editor's note: KGUN 9 previously reported the Marana Town Council voted against converting a former state prison into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. It was the Tucson City Council that voted to take a symbolic stand against the facility.
Tucson City leaders voted unanimously Tuesday to take a symbolic stand against the conversion of a former state prison in Marana into an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility.
The resolution "called on elected leaders representing the region to join in expressing concern and opposition to the proposed ICE Detention Center in Marana."
It also directed staff "to take necessary measures to communicate the City of Tucson's opposition to the proposed ICE Detention Center in support of its vibrant immigrant community."
ICE previously posted a notice of its intent to award a sole-source contract to Management and Training Corporation (MTC) to operate the former state prison in Marana as a detention facility. According to MTC, the notice is not a contract award and no final agreement has been made.
MTC currently operates five ICE detention facilities across the Southwest and purchased the former state prison last year for $15 million.
The plan has drawn protests and concerns from the community since it was first reported in February.
KGUN 9 reached out to ICE for comment but have not heard back.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
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Denelle Veselik is an Executive Reporter for KGUN 9 and leads our reporter team. Share your story ideas and important issues with Denelle by emailing denelle.veselik@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram and X/Twitter.
