All articles tagged with #prison riot
A riot at a prison in Machala, Ecuador, resulted in 4 inmate deaths and over 30 injuries, triggered by inmate reorganization for a new maximum-security facility. The incident follows a recent history of deadly prison violence linked to gang conflicts and highlights the ongoing issues of overcrowding and organized crime within Ecuador's prisons.
At least 17 people have been killed in a prison riot in Ecuador's Esmeraldas, marking the second deadly prison clash in the country this week, amid ongoing gang violence linked to drug trafficking and a history of prison massacres. The violence is part of a broader pattern of gang wars and drug-related conflicts in Ecuador, which has become a key transit point for global cocaine production.
Guatemalan authorities freed nine prison guards held hostage by gang members during a riot involving the Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18 gangs, which demanded the return of their leaders transferred to different prisons. The violence is part of ongoing gang conflicts in Guatemala, with recent incidents including a prison shooting and previous hostage releases, highlighting the region's security challenges.
A prison riot in Tuxpan, Veracruz, Mexico, resulted in 7 deaths and 11 injuries, with authorities restoring order and extinguishing fires; the riot was reportedly sparked by a rebellion against extortion by a criminal group.
Prison guards were taken hostage during a riot at Trousdale Turner Correctional Facility in Tennessee, but were safely freed after a two-hour police operation involving tear gas and drones, with no injuries reported. The incident occurs amid ongoing investigations into prison conditions and safety concerns.
Honduras will hand control of most of its penal system to the military police for a year, expand a state of exception, and give the armed forces a greater role in security efforts nationwide, following a deadly prison riot. The government will also turn islands into a penal colony for "highly dangerous" gang leaders. The riot, which claimed nearly 50 lives, was attributed to an organized attack by gang members conducted with guards' knowledge. The clash likely began in retaliation to recent government measures cracking down on corruption and gang control from within prison walls.
A prison riot broke out in Honduras after rival gangs Barrio 18 and MS-13 clashed, leaving 46 inmates dead. The gangs managed to smuggle weapons into the prison, and some of the victims had no ties to either gang. The riot is the deadliest at a female prison detention center in Central America since 2017. The Honduran President promised to take "drastic measures" against organized crime and dismantle the boycott against security fostered from inside prisons.
At least 41 people were killed in a riot and fire at a women's prison in Honduras, with many burned to death. President Xiomara Castro fired the country's security minister and linked the violence to gangs, saying it happened with the "acquiescence of security authorities." The position will be filled by the director of the Honduras National Police. Honduras has a history of deadly prison incidents, with more than 350 dying in a prison fire in 2012 and at least 103 inmates killed in a fire in 2004.
At least 41 female inmates were killed in a riot at a women's prison in Honduras, with most burned to death. The country's president blamed the "mara" street gangs that often wield broad power inside penitentiaries. Gangs have broad control inside the country's prisons, where inmates often set their own rules and sell prohibited goods. The riot appears to be the worst tragedy at a female detention center in Central America since 2017.
Dozens of photos have been released showing the extensive damage caused by a "large-scale inmate disturbance" at the Bristol County House of Corrections in Massachusetts. The riot started when inmates refused to leave their housing units to be moved into new units while the facility underwent renovations. As many as 75-80 inmates became agitated during the move and caused up to $200,000 in damage. No staff or inmates were taken hostage, but nearly 20 "ringleaders" were removed from the prison and taken to other county jails throughout the state.