Cancún Prison Still Worst in Quintana Roo, CNDH Finds

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The State Social Reintegration Center (CERESO) in Cancún has once again been labeled the worst prison in Quintana Roo, according to the National Diagnosis of Penitentiary Supervision conducted by Mexico’s National Human Rights Commission (CNDH). The facility, which was previously deemed the country’s worst prison a year ago, has shown no improvement, maintaining its failing score of 3.3 out of 10—a sharp decline from its 2022 rating of 6.23.

Overcrowding and Inhumane Conditions

The report highlights severe overcrowding as a critical issue. Designed to hold 885 inmates (815 men and 70 women), the facility currently houses 1,899 individuals (1,755 men and 144 women). Families of detainees and the CNDH have repeatedly denounced the prison’s deteriorating infrastructure, unsanitary conditions, and lack of basic services.

Julio César Gómez Torres, Secretary of Citizen Security, has acknowledged the irregularities within the prison. However, the CNDH’s findings reveal systemic failures, including:

• Poor hygiene and inadequate living conditions.
• Untrained prison staff.
• Inmates exercising unauthorized authority.
• High rates of violence and criminal activity inside the facility.
• No rehabilitation programs for social reintegration.
• Neglect of inmates with specific needs, including the elderly and disabled.

Families Demand Justice

Relatives of inmates have staged protests, alleging abuse, extortion, and torture within the prison. One family member stated, “They are already serving a sentence; they shouldn’t suffer further.” Complaints include exorbitant food prices, restricted communication with detainees, and violent treatment by prison personnel.

Statewide Decline in Prison Conditions

The CNDH report also documented declining conditions in other Quintana Roo prisons:

• Chetumal CERESO: Dropped from 7.05 in 2022 to 4.56, with insufficient facilities for inmates.
• Cozumel CERESO: Fell from 8.19 to 5.85, lacking specialized care for elderly and disabled inmates.
• Playa del Carmen CERESO: Declined from 7.27 to 5.64, plagued by overcrowding and inadequate violence prevention programs.

The findings underscore a broader failure in state governance, with authorities unable to address systemic issues despite repeated warnings from human rights organizations.

Related Incidents

Recent operations at the Cancún CERESO uncovered illegal substances and prohibited items, leading to suspended family visits and heightened tensions between staff and detainees’ relatives. The state has yet to implement long-term solutions to improve conditions.

The CNDH’s report serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for prison reform in Quintana Roo, where deteriorating facilities continue to violate basic human rights.