Chihuahua reports rising prison suicides and high femicide rates

Data from the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection reveals that 15 inmates in Chihuahua's prisons have attempted or completed suicide over a 31-month period. Of these, three resulted in death, with the most recent occurring in March 2026. These incidents account for 2.88% of the 104 total deaths recorded in state prisons during this timeframe. Additionally, 137 inmates reported self-harming during their incarceration.

In response, the Chihuahuan Institute of Mental Health (Ichisam) has implemented a program in state correctional facilities, including Chihuahua, Cuauhtémoc, and Parral. The initiative aims to train custody staff to identify risk factors and provide psychological first aid, while also offering mental health support to inmates.

Separately, Chihuahua ranks seventh nationally in absolute numbers of femicides and sixth by rate. Deputy Jael Argüelles described these figures as “shameful” and “overwhelming,” noting that violence against women spans all ages, from infancy to those over 60, and includes domestic and sexual violence.