Demonstration Draws Attention to Numerous Problems Reported at RCDC; Vigil Scheduled for Saturday's Anniversary of Uprising
NEW BRAUNFELS, TX – A coalition of groups including the ACLU of Texas, Grassroots Leadership, National Network for Immigrant and Refugee Rights and Southwest Workers Union called today on the private prison corporation, GEO Group, to submit to an investigation and improve conditions at the Reeves County Detention Center (RCDC) in Pecos, Texas, where two uprisings within the last year were sparked by inmate deaths.
In honor of International Human Rights Day, the coalition gathered outside GEO's regional headquarters in New Braunfelsand called upon the company to ensure prisoners at RCDC are treated humanely and in accordance with federal standards. Allegations against RCDC include failure to provide adequate medical care, overcrowding, violations of federal inmate-guard staffing requirements and prisoners living under constant states of lockdown.
A letter summarizing the reported problems at the detention center was delivered to company officials.
“We are dismayed at the inaction of the past year,” ACLU of Texas Executive Director Terri Burke said. “Even one uprising at any prison facility in this country is rare. And yet Reeves has been the site of two within the past year. It is time for all involved – from the GEO Group to the federal government and Reeves County – to hold themselves, and each other, accountable.”
RCDC is a county-owned prison operated by the GEO Group for the Bureau of Prisons. Those held at Reeves are segregated based on their immigration status. Many, including several who have died, served 5- or 10-year sentences for immigration violations. In the past year, two prisoner uprisings have taken place at RCDC. Both incidents were reportedly caused by the deaths of two inmates who may have died because of poor medical care. The coalition will follow today's demonstration with a vigil outside RCDC on Saturday, the one-year anniversary of the first uprising. A second uprising took place less than two months after the first.
Reports of poor conditions have continued since the uprisings. The federal government has yet to respond to an ACLU of Texas letter requesting a full investigation of conditions at the facility.
“No one listens to the prisoners, and that is why we are here supporting them,” said Maria Reynaga, the sister of an RCDC prisoner, “They are not animals. This prison is in very bad condition. Even today they are only allowed to leave their cells for one or two hours. We can’t tolerate that kind of lock-up.”
“The situation as Reeves is dire and represents the failings of the private prison industry,” said Bob Libal of Grassroots Leadership. “GEO has had four prison contracts canceled in Texas in recent years, and needs to be held accountable for the ongoing problems at RCDC.”
This same coalition will be in Pecos this Saturday and will be joined by prisoners' families to mark the anniversary of the first uprising with a vigil outside RCDC.
More regarding Saturday’s vigil in Pecos:
What:>
What: Reeves County Detention Center
When: Saturday, Dec. 12 @ 1pm
Where: Located across the highway from Pecos Municipal Airport, west of Highway 17 and south of Interstate 20
For Media: A press conference will take place when the vigil reaches RCDC
