President Claudia Sheinbaum did not rule out the possibility of building new penitentiary centers to address overcapacity in the country’s prisons. However, he clarified that any decision will depend on the availability of public resources.
During her conference in Toluca, the president explained that the federal government is working on several alternatives to reduce overcrowding. Once the comprehensive proposal is ready, it will be presented publicly.
Alternatives under evaluation
Sheinbaum explained that one of the measures includes early release mechanisms for people deprived of their liberty who meet the legal requirements. This would apply especially to older adults or those who, due to different circumstances, can access this benefit.
“One part has to do with early releases of those people of legal age or those whose release is feasible for different reasons. And the other is expanding the spaces. We are working on that and when we already have a proposal, we can present it to you,” he explained.
Asked if the government is analyzing the construction of new prisons, Sheinbaum responded that this option remains on the table. “It could be, it could be. The issue is the resources, how we would obtain them, but the objective is that there is no overcapacity in the penitentiary centers,” he stated.
The announcement comes in a context where Mexican prisons register high rates of overcrowding. The search for solutions combines punitive measures with reintegration alternatives, in a balance that will depend on the available budget.




