Marana Residents Voice Opposition Over Possible

ICE Detention Site!

An overflow crowd of over 350 attendees filled Coyote Trail Elementary School last Thursday, driven by concerns over a potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility at the former Arizona State Prison in Marana. The prison was purchased by former owner Management and Training Corporation (MTC) this summer for $15 million.

Pima County Supervisor Jen Allen held the forum, which included panelists presenting information about the impact of detention centers on communities and the environment. A lengthy Q&A session followed, with dozens of residents voicing objections to the possibility of the center, including its proximity to families, parks and schools in the growing Gladen Farms community, increased traffic and noise pollution, human rights, and safety. Others described the thought of a facility like this in Marana as “disgusting, outrages, scary and offensive.”

After the meeting, Supervisor Allens’s team thanked everyone who attended, including the panelists for sharing their insights, the media for staying from the first to the last minute, and law enforcement for being there and caring for our community. Another forum is planned in the near future. We'll keep you posted!

If you missed the event, the LDA encourages you to view the live stream by clicking Part 1 and Part 2. Hear your community speak loud and clear in opposition to this center. Links to local TV News coverage: KVOA; KGUN; KOLD

What Can You Do?

The LDA does not support the use of this site as an ICE detention center. A center does nothing to support our mission to Keep our Desert and Community Livable and Thriving. In fact, it does the complete opposite by making the area unlivable and unfit for the community.

We encourage you to voice your concerns directly to the President of Management and Training Corporation (MTC) Scott Marquardt, and the Director of Communications, Emily Lawhead. Let them know in clear terms your opposition to having an ICE detention center in Marana. You can also call and/or write their main corporate offices at (801) 693-2600, 500 N Marketplace Drive, Centerville, UT 84014. Click here to contact Marana Mayor Jon Post and Town Council members.

You can also write letters to news publications and editors and contact county, state and federal officials. Make your voice heard!

Marana Receives Applications for a Data Center

A KGUN 9 article by Madison Thomas reports that the Town of Marana has received applications to build a data center campus on hundreds of acres of land in North Marana.

The two applications for two sites, adjacent to one another, are approximately 300 acres each. The applications were submitted on Thursday, October 16, by Lazarus and Silvyn, P.C., who represent Fremont Peak Properties LLC, a Beale Infrastructure-owned company who continues to develop the controversial Project Blue proposal in spite of widespread community opposition. The proposed sites are located south of Pinal Airpark Road and west of I-10. 

The article notes the owners of the property noted in the applications are Corp. Residing Bishop of Church LDS, Kai Family Tr97 & Kai Tr 97 S12 LLC. Herb Kai is a current member of the Marana Town Council up for re-election in 2026.



The LDA has completed a public records request for the original applications and will post a link or the response as soon as it is received. 

2025 Annual

San Pedro

Bi-National

Beaver Survey

Through the River Run Network, the Watershed Management Group (WMG) has been working to survey beaver populations along the San Pedro River on both sides of the border, and you can help!

Beavers are one of the best local helpers for restoring desert creeks and rivers, and the WMG looks forward to hosting this annual survey once again to support healthy beaver populations in our desert watersheds.

Come search for signs of beavers all while taking in the beautiful views the Upper San Pedro / San Pedro Riparian National Conservation Area (SPRNCA) has to offer. Be part of a team in a bi-national effort to further understand beaver activity in Southern Arizona and Sonora, Mexico.

By registering for one or both events below, you'll receive the link to participate in their virtual volunteer orientation and be contacted the week before the survey date with survey group contact information, location, carpool information, and other logistical needs.

Click below to learn more about these important events!

• Saturday, November 15th @ 9am - 4pm
• Sunday, December 6th @ 9am - 4pm

Photo by David Manual

Sky Island Alliance

Invasive Weed Removal

Tuesday, November 11

6am – 10am

As part of a new campaign, Sky Island Alliance plans to remove invasive species at nine priority springs in the Tucson area. Over the next three years, they'll be working on this restoration project alongside other local nonprofits, and there are plenty of chances to get involved.

Sign up here for upcoming volunteer dates. They'll be in touch to confirm exact event locations.

For the most part, they'll be on the northeast side of Tucson in the Sabino Canyon area, as well as on the southeast side of town near Vail and Davidson Canyon. See full project details.

Highway Cleanup Opportunity

Saturday, November 8th, 9am-11am

Join the Coalition for Sonoran Desert Protection highway cleanup along highway at 10501 N. Casa Grande Hwy, near Avra Valley Road and the Santa Cruz River wildlife ramp!

Gloves, safety vests, snacks and drinks, trash bags, and pick-up sticks (grabbers) are provided. You’re welcome to join them for as long as you like. More specific information and directions will be sent in an email to all RSVPs.

So, come along, bring a friend, or better yet, pull a team together, and join in on this great opportunity to serve your community while enjoying our wonderful desert environment. Click here to sign up.

Tap into Savings!

Transform Your Water Use

Discover practical ways to make the most of rain and other water resources at WMG's free, recurring rebate classes. Learn how to use greywater to nourish your landscape or collect rainwater to support a thriving garden. These classes provide hands-on knowledge to help you save money, conserve water, and meet Tucson Water rebate requirements.

Register for any or all of these upcoming classes:



• In-person Rainwater Harvesting Class - Wednesday, November 12 - 4:30pm to 7:00pm

• In-Person Greywater Harvesting Class - Thursday, November 13 - 5:00pm to 7:00pm