Inmates at Cereso No. 3 in Ciudad Juarez Participate in Prison Expansion to Combat Overpopulation
CIUDAD JUAREZ, Chihuahua, Mexico, July 13, 2026 – On Monday morning, July 13, low-risk inmates at Social Reintegration Center (Cereso) No. 3, located in the Toribio Ortega neighborhood of Ciudad Juarez, began participating in the remodeling and expansion of the penal institution.
The inmates were observed from early hours constructing a perimeter wall on the exterior of the property. This area was previously occupied by Cereso Femenil No. 2 and will now be incorporated into the men’s prison, with the primary objective of reducing overpopulation.
Expansion Aims to Increase Capacity of Cereso No. 3
According to information provided at the site, the construction work is projected to be completed by the end of 2026. Currently, Cereso No. 3 houses approximately 4,500 inmates.
During the construction activities, the inmates wore orange uniforms, along with hats and caps to protect themselves from the high temperatures characteristic of Ciudad Juarez. Throughout the process, they remained under the constant supervision of Penitentiary System agents to ensure safety and order.
Inmates Receive Remuneration for Their Work
Authorities also reported that several of the inmates involved in these tasks had previously collaborated in the construction of Cereso Femenil No. 2, located in the Carlos Chavira neighborhood.
Furthermore, it was noted that the State Government provides economic remuneration for their work. This income can be used by the inmates to support their families or to purchase personal hygiene items, medications, and other authorized products within the penitentiary center.
The initiative highlights a proactive approach to managing prison overpopulation by utilizing the skills and labor of low-risk inmates, while also providing them with an opportunity for productive engagement and financial support for their families.
The expansion project is a significant step towards improving the conditions within Cereso No. 3 and ensuring a more manageable environment for both inmates and staff. The integration of the former women’s prison area is expected to substantially increase the capacity of the men’s facility.
This program not only addresses the immediate issue of overcrowding but also offers a model for inmate rehabilitation and reintegration through meaningful work. The continuous supervision by penitentiary agents underscores the commitment to maintaining security while facilitating these important construction efforts.
The long-term goal is to create a more sustainable and humane correctional environment, aligning with broader objectives of social reintegration and reducing recidivism. The success of this project could serve as a blueprint for similar initiatives in other overcrowded penal institutions.
The collaboration between inmates and authorities in this construction endeavor reflects a concerted effort to tackle complex challenges within the correctional system through innovative and mutually beneficial solutions.
The project’s estimated completion by the end of 2026 provides a clear timeline for the anticipated relief of overpopulation at Cereso No. 3, marking a crucial development for the region’s penitentiary system.
