Death Sentence: Disturbing Number of Deaths at CoreCivic’s Cibola Prison – Is Neglect to Blame?
The Cibola County Correctional Center (CCCC), a privately-owned prison in Milan, New Mexico, operated by CoreCivic, has been under increased scrutiny in recent years due to a disturbing number of deaths and allegations of inadequate medical care and neglect. At least 15 people have died prematurely at the facility since 2018, a figure that raises serious questions about the conditions and practices within the prison. Is neglect to blame for this high mortality rate?
A History of Problems
CCCC has a long and troubled history. Before being acquired by CoreCivic in 1998, the facility faced issues that led to its closure in 2016 when CoreCivic lost its contract with the Federal Bureau of Prisons (FBOP). This initial closure followed reports of medical neglect and questionable deaths. However, the facility was soon reopened under a new contract with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), housing ICE detainees, U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) inmates, and local county detainees.
Even after reopening, problems persisted. In March 2013, around 250 inmates staged a non-violent protest, though prison officials declined to reveal the reason. From 2007 to 2016, a staggering 30 out of 34 citations against the facility were related to poor medical care, including the absence of an on-site doctor, failure to perform CPR, and lack of mental health evaluations for suicidal inmates.
Recent Deaths and Allegations of Neglect
The recent surge in deaths at CCCC has drawn renewed attention to the facility’s shortcomings. In March 2024, an inmate was found dead in his cell, prompting an investigation. The facility has faced numerous allegations of neglect, particularly among ICE detainees, with reports of abuse and denial of proper medical care, especially among transgender detainees.
One particularly tragic case is that of Roxsana Hernandez Rodriguez, a transgender woman seeking asylum from Honduras, who died in November 2018 after being detained at CCCC for a single night. The cause of death was dehydration and complications from HIV/AIDS. An independent autopsy reported signs of physical abuse predating her detention.
In another instance highlighted in a Buzzfeed story, immigrants at CCCC, including those in the dedicated transgender women’s unit, faced waits of up to 17 days for urgently needed medical care, were exposed to poor sanitation during disease outbreaks, and did not receive medications as prescribed for illnesses like diabetes and tuberculosis.
FBI Investigation and Drug Smuggling
Adding to the concerns, the FBI is currently investigating an alleged drug smuggling ring at CCCC. An FBI agent stated in an affidavit that there was a “drug trafficking epidemic” at the facility, with some CoreCivic employees accused of smuggling in drugs and fueling a lucrative trade among detainees, leading to overdose deaths.
The Guardian reported that at least 15 Cibola detainees have died prematurely since 2018. This investigation cited an FBI affidavit accusing some CoreCivic employees of smuggling drugs and other contraband in for inmates.
Lawsuits and Complaints
CCCC and CoreCivic have been the subject of numerous lawsuits and complaints alleging mistreatment and neglect. In 2022, a complaint was filed with the Department of Homeland Security by the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center on behalf of Garrido Diaz, an immigrant seeking political asylum. The complaint alleged denial of proper medical care and due process violations.
In December 2023, the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center (NMILC) filed a complaint against CoreCivic and CCCC for a pepper spray attack on people held in ICE detention. The complaint stated that CoreCivic officials dispersed pepper spray gas in response to a demonstration protesting inadequate food and water and delayed deportations.
CoreCivic’s Response
CoreCivic maintains that it provides a safe, humane, and appropriate environment for those entrusted to its care. In response to allegations of drug smuggling and deaths, the company stated that the safety, health, and well-being of individuals in their care is a top priority. They also emphasize that their facilities have trained emergency response teams and that any death is immediately reported and investigated.
Despite these assurances, the numerous reports, investigations, and lawsuits paint a concerning picture of the conditions at CCCC. The question remains: are these isolated incidents, or do they reflect a systemic problem of neglect and inadequate care?
The Role of Private Prisons
The issues at CCCC raise broader questions about the role and oversight of private prisons. Critics argue that the profit motive can incentivize cost-cutting measures that compromise inmate safety and well-being. The fact that CoreCivic pitched CCCC to the Department of Homeland Security as an ideal location to detain more immigrants, even while facing scrutiny over deaths and drug smuggling, raises concerns about prioritizing profits over people.
Legal Options and Seeking Justice
If you or a loved one has been harmed due to neglect or mistreatment at the Cibola County Correctional Center, it is essential to understand your legal rights. Potential legal options include:
- Personal Injury Claims: If an inmate has suffered physical or psychological harm due to the negligence or intentional misconduct of prison staff, they may have grounds for a personal injury claim.
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits: In the event of a death caused by neglect or mistreatment, the deceased’s family may be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for their loss.
- Civil Rights Violations: Inmates have constitutional rights, including the right to adequate medical care and protection from cruel and unusual punishment. If these rights have been violated, a civil rights lawsuit may be an option.
It’s important to consult with an experienced attorney who can evaluate the specific circumstances of the case and advise on the best course of action. An attorney can help gather evidence, navigate the legal process, and advocate for the rights of the injured party.
Seeking Help
If you have concerns about the conditions or treatment of a loved one at the Cibola County Correctional Center, consider the following steps:
- Contact the Prison: Reach out to prison officials to voice your concerns and request information about the inmate’s well-being.
- File a Complaint: Submit a formal complaint to CoreCivic and relevant government agencies, such as ICE or the Department of Justice.
- Contact Advocacy Groups: Reach out to organizations like the New Mexico Immigrant Law Center or the ACLU for assistance and support.
Conclusion
The disturbing number of deaths and persistent allegations of neglect at CoreCivic’s Cibola Prison raise serious concerns about the safety and well-being of inmates. While CoreCivic defends its practices, the evidence suggests a systemic problem that demands greater scrutiny and accountability. Whether through legal action, advocacy, or government oversight, it is imperative to ensure that all individuals in custody receive the care and protection they deserve.
If you or a loved one has been affected by the conditions at Cibola County Correctional Center, contact our firm today for a free consultation. We can help you understand your legal options and fight for justice.