Reeves County Detention Center was the site of two multi-day uprisings in mid-December and late-January of last year following a string of deaths attributed to the prison’s inattention to medical needs. The catalyst for these uprisings was the death of 32 year-old Jesus Galindo, an epileptic Mexican citizen, who died in solitary confinement due to multiple seizures and inadequate levels of medication. Galindo's December 12th death was the result of disregard to clear medical needs, the lack of federal oversight and legal protections, and apathy surrounding prisoner well-being. At least nine deaths in the last four years have been reported at the facility, and prisoners there live daily with fear for their lives



5 Major Problems at Reeves 

•Medical neglect and no access to services: 
Detainees with special medical needs or who ask for medical care when ill are subjected to punishment for requesting medical attention or services. They are placed in solitary confinement for excessive amounts of time. Due to severe overcrowding, most do not have access to any medical services.

•Abuse by guards: 
Detainees face inhumane living conditions exacerbated by harassment, ridicule, and abuse from GEO Group guards at the facility.


• Overcrowding and unsanitary conditions: 
For nearly a week in January and February 2009, detainees were locked out of units, forced to sleep outside in the cold without blankets or bedding, denied access to vital necessities like running water or regular meals, and over 2,000 detainees were then crammed back into a unit meant for 1,200 persons.


•Inadequate bedding and food: 
Detainees have been receiving one meal per day and have not recovered any of their personal belongings including extra changes of clothing, shoes, toiletries, pillows, and blankets. Many who have been unable to purchase new bedding are sleeping on the bare floor.

•Inadequate facilities: 
Due to severe overcrowding and limited facilities, many detainees do not have access to showers and have to wait up to a week to take a shower.



This information was obtained from the National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights. If you are interested in learning more, please visit their website.