Prison systems face human rights and overcrowding challenges in Mexico and Argentina

In Mexico, the National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) released the 2025 National Penitentiary Supervision Diagnosis, evaluating 278 centers housing over 246,000 people. The report highlights a regression in the treatment of vulnerable groups. Structural failures include the improper classification of inmates, with 98.9% of state prison populations being a mix of processed and sentenced individuals. Specific deficiencies were noted for indigenous populations lacking interpreters, elderly inmates without geriatric care, and persons with disabilities. Additionally, the report identifies issues in female centers, noting the presence of pregnant women and children living within the facilities.

In Argentina, the city of Buenos Aires has begun transferring approximately 1,500 inmates from the Devoto prison to a new facility in Marcos Paz. This move follows a ten-year construction period and involves a unified command between national and city governments. The Devoto prison has faced significant overcrowding, with occupancy rates reaching 131% according to the National Penitentiary Procuracy. The relocation of inmates is expected to facilitate the eventual sale of the Devoto site for real estate development.