⛪ From Scripture to Statistics: Faith Leaders and Veterans Testify Against Marana's ICE Facility
Biblical citations, correctional expertise, and military service couldn't move a council determined to stay silent—then they raised your water rates
😽 Keepin’ It Simple Summary for Younger Readers
👧🏾✊🏾👦🏾
Eight people spoke at a Marana meeting asking leaders to stop a prison company from locking up immigrant families. 🛑🏘️
A preacher quoted the Bible 📖 about welcoming strangers. 🤝
A grandma who worked in prisons said they might pack too many people in small spaces. 🏚️
A soldier who fought in Iraq 🇮🇶 said working in these places makes people so sad that way more die by suicide. 💔
A teacher whose family has been here for generations said, “We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us” — meaning this land belonged to Indigenous and Mexican people first. 🌎🧡
After everyone spoke, the mayor just said “thanks” 🙄 and they voted to raise water bills 💧📈 while approving more development projects. 🏗️
🔥 “We Will Not Let This Go”: Eight Marana Residents Demand Answers on ICE Detention Center
When a Tuesday Night Town Council Meeting Became a Moral Reckoning Over Trump’s Deportation Machine—Then Council Got Back to Business as Usual
🗝️ Key Takeaways
🙏 Bennett Burke opened with scripture, citing Deuteronomy, Zechariah, and Matthew 25: “When Trump and his masked thugs persecute immigrants, they’re persecuting Jesus himself”
👮♀️ Debbie Gorkowski, a retired Arizona DOC employee who worked at the facility in the 1990s, warned: “I can see them doubling up the bunks. They could even do three.”
⛪ Mary Romer, retired chaplain, testified about “moral injury”: “When you are part of something that is cruel, that is morally repugnant, you carry it with you.”
🏛️ Kate Kosse demanded police accountability: “I would like to see the Marana police be committed to arresting ICE officers who are in violation of other people’s constitutional rights.”
👨👧👧 John Curry, father of two: “ICE coming through and threatening our neighbors and kidnapping them is not going to continue to keep our community safe.”
👩🏫 Rolande Baker, 74-year-old retired teacher (45 years), nine grandchildren: “We didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us... I need for you to find a way to make this stop.”
💔 Mariah Franco, 25, born/raised in Marana, immigrant grandfather: “I believe that this detention facility... makes me cry in sadness and I only want to cry and joy for our town.”
🎖️ Joanna Ryan, Iraq combat veteran, former Bureau of Prisons officer: “The suicide rate for correctional workers is estimated to be 39 to 40 percent higher... It broke me after nearly 10 years.”
🦗 Mayor Jon Post’s response: “We don’t have much to say to respond,”—then moved to council reports about food banks and HOA meetings
💧 Water rates approved: Council unanimously approved 10.5% annual water rate increases and 2.5% wastewater rate increases through 2030—roughly $7/month increase for average family
🌊 Colorado River crisis: Lake Mead remains under Tier 1 shortage requiring 30% delivery reductions; Lake Powell dropped 0.26 million acre-feet since October
🏗️ Development continues: New Dunkin’ Donuts, childcare center, two more data center applications under review, Shamrock Foods facility construction
📋 Consent agenda passed: Land acquisition for drainage ($15,000), temporary access easement for University of Arizona radio tower, Tucson Bicycle Classic agreement ($10,000)
👔 Thomas Spindler appointed to Marana Health Care Benefits Trust—healthcare executive with decades of hospital administration experience
The November 4th Marana Town Council meeting opened with roll call, the pledge of allegiance, and approval of the agenda. All seven council members were present.
The routine felt almost sacred—until Town Clerk Jill McCleary announced eight speaker cards for Call to the Public, and everyone in that chamber knew the performance of democracy was about to get real.
According to the Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting, Management & Training Corporation (MTC) purchased the shuttered Marana Community Correctional Treatment Facility from Arizona for $15 million in July 2025—the same prison they’d sold to the state for just $150,000 in 2013.
There’s a lot of money to be made in Trump’s America by rounding up brown human beings as if they were cattle.
MTC currently operates five ICE detention centers and has strongly indicated the facility will reopen as an immigration detention center, just as Congress allocated $45 billion for ICE detention expansion—more than Obama, Biden, and Trump’s first term combined.
And Marana’s council? After 30+ minutes of moral testimony, they thanked the speakers and moved right along to water rates and data centers.
When Faith Becomes Resistance
Bennett Burke didn’t come to preach, but that’s what happened. Standing before the council, he framed every testimony that followed:
“Donald Trump has been using ICE raids based on racist lies as an excuse to create a militarized police state which threatens the rights of all.”
Burke brought data: Immigrants increase wealth and prosperity. Congress is spending billions on ICE detention while slashing Medicaid and SNAP. 70% of detained immigrants have no criminal record.
Then Burke did something radical in municipal governance—he cited scripture. Because when settler-colonial power structures wrap themselves in Christian nationalism, sometimes you gotta remind them what Jesus actually said.
“I say that having spent decades working with immigrants and refugees as someone who relies upon facts instead of lies and as a follower of the actual teachings of a Middle Eastern Jewish peasant named Jesus,” Burke testified.
He quoted Deuteronomy: “You shall also love the stranger, for you are strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Zechariah: “Do not oppress the widow, the orphan, the alien, and the poor.”
Matthew 25: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
“When Trump and his masked thugs persecute immigrants, they’re persecuting Jesus himself, crucifying his lived example of radically inclusive love and compassion for the least. Therefore, I stand here today in unwavering opposition to an ICE detention center in Marana.”
The room was silent except for Burke’s voice cutting through decades of normalized cruelty.
“Orange Is the New Black” Wasn’t Fiction
Debbie Gorkowski, a retired employee of the Arizona Department of Corrections, brought insider knowledge. She’d worked at this exact facility in the early 1990s, running women’s visitation when Arizona rented out beds for revenue.
“It’s a minimum,” she explained. Pony walls, cots, communal bathrooms. Maybe designed for 100-150 people. “I can see them doubling up the bunks. They could even do three. They may even try to line some of them along the walls.”
Her warning was clear: “I think we should oversee what they do inside there.”
Because MTC’s track record is horrifying—fired by Arizona in 2015 after deadly riots at Kingman prison, revealing “a culture of disorganization, disengagement, and disregard.”
Moral Injury and Deathbed Confessions
Mary Romer, retired chaplain whose mom was born in Tucson and whose uncle served in the Korean War before working at the cement plant for 30+ years, spoke from decades of pastoral care. She submitted an information sheet about MTC’s track record to the Town Clerk.
“At the end of life, moral injury really plays hard on people’s consciences. And when you are part of something that is cruel, that is morally repugnant, you carry it with you. You carry it with you to your community, into your family.”
This wasn’t abstract theology. This was witnessing what happens when people die carrying guilt for participating in systems they knew were wrong.
“It does not breed a freedom of conscience or a positive way to contribute to the community,” Romer urged, calling on the council to “reject the underlying racism that is so endemic to this policy.”
Police Accountability and Constitutional Rights
Kate Kosse from the San Lucas subdivision acknowledged the council’s limited control but identified concrete actions within Marana’s authority:
Prohibit Marana police from working off-duty for ICE. Other townships have allowed this—it normalizes immigration enforcement as community policing.
Do not allow police to arrest government officials attempting legal oversight. ICE has shot pepper balls at pastors, arrested 170+ citizens by mistake, tackled peaceful protesters, and deployed tear gas at children’s Halloween parades.
“I would like to see the Marana police be committed to arresting ICE officers who are in violation of other people’s constitutional rights. I think Marana, we all value the Constitution, and there’s a lot more to the Constitution than just the Second Amendment.”
Once local police become immigration enforcers, every interaction carries a threat of deportation.
Kosse also pivoted to Project Blue data centers: demand written commitments for air-cooling, require developers to pay infrastructure costs upfront, and give the public a full month between council action and implementation.
Multi-front activism. Because corporate extraction takes many forms.
“We Didn’t Cross the Border”
Rolande Baker, a 74-year-old retired public school teacher with 45 years in education, three children, nine grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren, all living in Arizona, placed the moment in historical context that settler narratives desperately want erased.
“At 74 years old, I would never have thought that this country would do this to our own people, let alone people we love, our neighbors, our immigrant people. This is their land anyway to begin with. It was their land to begin with.”
Then Baker invoked the truth haunting Arizona’s colonial project: “There’s an old saying, we didn’t cross the border, the border crossed us.”
She turned to MTC’s financial machinations:
“Why would I sell it for $150,000 and now I’m going to buy it for $150,000? Because I know I’m going to make three times that kind of money and I’m going to be making that money off the backs of human beings.”
Baker reminded the council why the prison closed in 2015: a riot started by a prison guard who committed suicide within two weeks.
“There were atrocities that were occurring in that prison for over two and a half years. Unbelievable atrocities.”
“I need you to find a way to make this stop. We cannot allow them to take our siblings because that’s who they are.”
“It Broke Me”: A Veteran’s Warning
Joanna Ryan—Iraq combat veteran (nearly 10 years U.S. Army), POW guard during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Bureau of Prisons officer (nearly 10 years)—dismantled every argument.
She cataloged the horrors: abuse, inhumane conditions, violence, and medical malpractice. But here’s what people don’t understand:
“These are also the horrors that the people who work in these institutions also endure. It is traumatic to see people treated this way. It broke me after nearly 10 years.”
“The suicide rate for correctional workers is estimated to be 39 to 40 percent higher than the general working age population. Your community will be the ones that take that on.”
She clarified: “Being undocumented is not criminal. It’s a misdemeanor. It’s not violent.” There’s already a facility at Wilmot for undocumented individuals who commit crimes, with due process.
“We’re talking about dismantling communities, racism, and allowing this administration to profit from the unfortunate. That money comes from you and goes straight to MTC.”
Crickets from the Dais
After eight speakers, after biblical citations, correctional expertise, and military service, Mayor Post offered: “We don’t have much to say to respond, but I want to thank you guys for coming out and expressing your concerns.”
Then: “All right, backing up here. No proclamations, correct? Mayor and council report…”
No acknowledgment of substance. No commitment to action. No indication that this would return to a future agenda.
The silence was strategic. Political cowardice dressed as procedural neutrality.
Business as Usual: While Rome Burns
Council Member Teri Murphy reported on the successful “Stuff the Horse Trailer” food drive for Marana Food Bank.
Council Member Patrick Cavanaugh provided an update on the Arizona Department of Child Safety facility serving families experiencing domestic violence and child neglect (hotline: 888-SOS-CHILD).
Council Member Patti Comerford praised the Arizona Association of Economic Development Conference and complimented Discover Marana’s new tourism publication.
Vice Mayor Roxanne Ziegler thanked the community for its support after her hip replacement and fall.
Mayor Post celebrated the Gladden Farms HOA annual meeting, where developers turned control over to residents.
The tonal whiplash was stunning. From detention center horrors to HOA celebrations in under five minutes.
Colorado River Crisis Deepens
Water Director Heidi Lasham introduced Mitch Basefsky, CAP Stakeholder Outreach Coordinator, for an update on Arizona’s water crisis.
Current conditions: Lake Mead remains under Tier 1 shortage, requiring approximately a 30% reduction in water deliveries. Lake Powell dropped 0.26 million acre-feet since October. The reservoir system has dropped from 94% capacity in the late 1990s to current critical levels due to year 25 of a 25-year drought.
Climate change impact: In 2025, 92% of average snowfall produced less than 50% runoff due to warming temperatures, drier soils, longer growing seasons, and snow sublimation.
Political crisis: The seven basin states have until November 11th to reach a compromise on post-2026 guidelines. The upper basin states refuse to implement mandatory conservation cuts while demanding that the lower basin (Arizona, California, and Nevada) absorb all shortages.
Context matters: We’re raising water rates to maintain infrastructure while considering selling resources to data centers and detention facilities that will strain that same infrastructure.
Water Rates Going Up
Resolution 2025-103 adopted notice of intention to increase water/wastewater rates through 2030, setting a January 6, 2026, public hearing.
Council Member Cavanaugh asked about the impact on a family of four. Lasham responded: approximately a $ 7-per-month average increase.
Proposed increases:
Water rates: 10.5% annually through 2030
Wastewater/reclamation rates: 2.5% annually through 2030
Average monthly bill: Rising from $107 to $114
Revenue would fund 13 new staff positions, 10 new vehicles, new water meters, maintenance, and $5.38 million in improvements over five years.
The resolution passed unanimously (7-0).
Residents pay more. Corporations pay less. Tale as old as capitalism.
Consent Agenda: Routine Acquisitions
Council unanimously approved:
Resolution 2025-099: Purchasing 0.82 acres from CJR at Bullhead LLC for $15,000 ($0.42/sq ft) containing Picture Rocks Wash drainageway for long-term drainage management. Total costs, including closing/environmental assessment: $20,000 from General Fund Contingency.
Resolution 2025-100: Granting the Arizona Board of Regents a temporary access easement to the radio tower property south of Marana Center. Automatically terminates when Camino Benicardo road construction provides permanent access.
Resolution 2025-101: Approving agreement with Tucson Bicycle Classic for $10,000 financial support of time trial stage (February 19, 2026). Discover Marana and Oro Valley won the Best Regional Partnership award from the Arizona Office of Tourism for 2024 cycling events.
Healthcare Appointment
Resolution 2025-102 appointed Thomas F. Spindler as Trustee for Marana Health Care Benefits Trust (four-year term).
Vice Mayor Ziegler complimented Spindler’s resume. The resolution passed unanimously.
Spindler brings decades of healthcare administration experience: Group Senior Vice President at Vizient, Inc. (2019-2024); Regional VP at VHA; multiple hospital CEO/administrator positions; and expertise in healthcare operations and cost reduction.
Development Marches On
Development Services Director Jason Angell provided monthly updates:
Commercial: Learning Experience childcare center (east of Fry’s), Dunkin’ Donuts (Heritage Shops)
Land Use: Luckett Road South Data Center and Luckett Road North Data Center—two applications under staff review with public hearings coming. Yes, MORE data centers despite Project Blue controversy.
Business Licenses: 20 total, including Angeles Mexican Food at 9190 N. Coachline Boulevard (behind Walgreens—same location, likely ownership change)
Major Construction: Shamrock Foods distribution facility—all 80 acres between Flint buildings and Tangerine Road
Council Member Comerford asked about the Alexander Apartments, which have been sitting idle. Angell explained that the contractor changeover requires extensive HUD approval—the new contractor is now on-site, resuming work.
What You Can Do
Marana Town Council meets first and third Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM. Next meetings: November 18, December 2, December 16.
Call to the Public: Fill out a speaker card. You get three minutes. Use them.
Contact council members. Demand that they use every regulatory tool to prevent this facility.
Connect with organizers. The same groups who packed the Pima County meeting can mobilize Marana.
As Kathleen Dreier said, “We will not let this go.”
What Do You Think?
Should Marana use its regulatory authority (zoning, water, utilities, police policies) to block or severely restrict the ICE detention center?
How does raising water rates on residents while approving more data centers and potentially a detention facility reflect community priorities?
Drop your thoughts in the comments. And if you were one of those eight speakers: Thank you. Your testimony is now part of the public record, part of the town’s history, part of the evidence that when this moment demanded moral courage, at least some people showed up.
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¡La lucha sigue!
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It’s all so outrageous these days. Actually very numbing. Which is, of course, exactly what they want: Brain fogged, spaced out zombies who won’t/ don’t resist. Sounds like the Marana council is following the Trump agenda: listen, nod your head, thanks for speaking, then go ahead with what you knew all along you’d do anyway. Disheartening to say the least.
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