A deadly prison riot in Mexico’s Veracruz state has left seven people dead and 11 others injured, following violent clashes between inmates and authorities. The chaos reportedly began as a protest against poor treatment inside the prison and alleged abuse by a criminal group operating from within. The disturbing event lasted nearly 12 hours before security forces finally regained control. The incident has raised fresh concerns over violence in Mexico’s prison system and the growing power of criminal gangs behind bars.
What Triggered the Riot?
According to officials, the riot began on Saturday afternoon and continued well into the night at a prison in Veracruz, a state known for its high levels of violence. Inmates protested against the treatment they were receiving, claiming that a dangerous criminal group called Grupo Sombra was abusing and extorting prisoners inside the facility.
Inmates set fire to parts of the prison, fought with each other, and demanded that human rights groups and journalists be allowed inside to witness the conditions firsthand. They claimed that authorities were ignoring their complaints about the ongoing abuse.
Casualties and Response
The State Security Ministry of Veracruz released a statement confirming that seven inmates died during the riot and 11 others were injured. Most of the injured are being treated at nearby hospitals, according to local authorities.
The situation remained tense for 12 hours, during which inmates reportedly had control over parts of the facility. With help from the Mexican military, officials were finally able to carry out a “coordinated operation” to regain control of the prison.
In response to the violence, three inmates were transferred to a different facility to prevent further unrest, the security ministry confirmed.
Overcrowding and Poor Conditions
The prison was already under pressure before the riot began. According to the Associated Press, the facility was holding 778 inmates in June 2024, even though it was designed to hold only 735 people. Overcrowding, poor conditions, and lack of staff are common issues in Mexican prisons, and this event highlights how dangerous things can get when these problems are ignored.
Grupo Sombra: The Criminal Group Involved
The inmates accused a criminal group known as Grupo Sombra of operating within the prison. This gang is believed to be involved in extortion, abuse, and controlling other inmates. Such gangs are known to use fear and violence to control prisons in various parts of Mexico, often with little interference from prison officials.
Violence in Veracruz Continues
Veracruz has been described by El País as one of the most violent states in Mexico. Just a few days before the riot, a shocking incident took place involving a taxi driver who had been shot and hospitalized. According to authorities, an alleged hitman disguised himself as a family member, entered the hospital, and killed the victim while he was recovering. This incident has only added to the growing concern over rising violence in the region.
The riot at the Veracruz prison is just one example of the growing crisis in Mexico’s prison system. Overcrowding, poor living conditions, and the rising power of criminal gangs are putting inmates, staff, and society at risk. While officials were able to regain control of the prison, the underlying problems remain. For lasting peace, better management, transparency, and accountability are needed—not just inside prisons, but across the entire justice system.
