San Luis voters to decide future of city-owned detention center

SAN LUIS, AZ (AZFamily) — San Luis voters will soon decide whether to sell the city-owned San Luis Regional Detention Center, which has housed federal immigrant detainees for nearly 20 years.

Wednesday is the final day for residents to submit official arguments for or against the proposed sale. The statements will be included in the voter information pamphlet ahead of the November special election.

The facility has faced ongoing financial challenges. According to city officials who presented a report at a recent city council meeting, the detention center carries $24 million in bond debt, but is currently valued at just $15 million. It has not produced surplus revenue in several years.

City officials believe selling the facility could help relieve the financial burden. If approved, the site would continue to operate as a detention center under new private ownership.

The proposed sale comes at a time when Immigration and Customs Enforcement is working to expand detention capacity with newly approved federal funding.

Only a few companies in the United States are positioned to purchase and operate such a facility, including Management and Training Corporation, which is also preparing to take over operations at the prison in Marana.

While the center’s function would likely stay the same, private ownership could lead to new contracts with ICE and possible changes in operations or capacity.

Residents have until Wednesday night to submit their written arguments to the city clerk.

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