ICE detention center

Urged the council to fully explore its authority to stop the detention center — suggesting buying the property, pursuing a Pima College campus, or de-annexing it — saying the town's 'hands are tied' claim doesn't hold.

Speaking for Pima Resists ICE, argued ICE detention practices violate immigration law and the Constitution, disputed claims of local oversight, and asked the council to join opposition efforts.

A ten-year resident said private detention facilities don't deliver promised benefits and cited human rights abuses elsewhere, warning Marana could be remembered alongside places known for abuses.

A 21-year resident with the Pima Resist ICE group said the coalition has data and a draft resolution and has asked since November to meet with council members — and has been refused.

With Just Communities Arizona, she accused the council of not engaging with constituents and said the town could act if it chose to — and demanded a public answer.

A Continental Reserve resident who mentored children of migrant farmworkers asked the council not to concentrate ICE in Marana and to let local police do their jobs.

A Continental Ranch resident said fear of the facility has changed neighborhood conversations and urged the council to make clear an ICE facility doesn't belong in Marana.

She read from Pima County's 2017 resolution opposing private detention facilities and urged the council to pass its own resolution and communicate directly to MTC.

A 40-year resident asked the council to formally place the item on a future agenda so they must respond, and questioned what legacy the decision would leave.

A council candidate asked what rules of engagement, training, and emergency plans Marana PD has for potential ICE-related unrest in the community.

A 25-year resident said the lack of transparency about the facility has made it hard to keep defending the town she loves.

A mother of three in Marana schools said she's ashamed the town is considering the facility and recounted ICE detaining her family's former housekeeper in front of her home.

A self-described ICE observer since June described raids she says she witnessed firsthand, including a home raid and family separations, and invited council members to observe with her.

A decades-long resident noted 700 people have come to meetings and 1,300 signed a petition against the facility, and asked the council to communicate where they stand.

A council candidate asked about MPD staffing levels, noted Kansas City passed a five-year moratorium on private detention facilities, and urged preparation.

On behalf of Pima Resist ICE, pleaded with the council not to allow a detention center or jail at the former prison, citing moral and religious objections.

Described legal and administrative strategies developed with the ACLU to prevent the detention center and asked council members to meet with constituents on the issue.

Called on officials and residents to speak out against what he characterized as federal overreach and an unjust detention facility.

Presented a draft proclamation against a detention center and asked the council to debate it publicly and place it on a future agenda.