Mexico State considers new prisons to address 158% overcrowding

The State of Mexico is evaluating the construction of a new high-security prison and the expansion of existing facilities to combat a 158% overcrowding rate within its correctional system. The state currently houses more than 39,000 inmates across 22 facilities, making it the largest penitentiary system in Latin America.

Security Secretary Cristóbal Castañeda Camarillo stated that Governor Delfina Gómez Álvarez has announced an investment of 400 million pesos for these projects. While technical studies are ongoing to determine locations and necessary space, work could potentially begin in 2027. The most severe overcrowding is concentrated in six facilities in the eastern zone, including one in Ecatepec, which accounts for 75% of the total overcapacity.

Deputy Octavio Martínez has cautioned that building more prisons may not solve the issue if the root causes are not addressed. He highlighted the need to combat the fabrication of crimes, noting that an estimated four out of ten inmates may be victims of falsified charges. Martínez suggested alternative solutions such as house arrest, electronic monitoring, amnesty for those with terminal illnesses, and gender-perspective sentencing to alleviate prison pressure.