Mazatlán prison riots leave at least 12 dead, including a 2-year-old

In recent prison riots at the Mazatlán facility known as "El Castillo," at least 12 people lost their lives, including a 2-year-old child. The Sinaloa Security Ministry reported that 11 inmates and the toddler died, while 16 others sustained injuries during the violent clashes. The uprising unfolded over two days, with the first episode occurring during planned family visiting hours.

This tumultuous event began as a violent altercation among inmates who managed to obtain and use firearms inside the prison. Authorities attempted to regain control by locking down the facility and issuing a red alert, but their efforts were challenged by the ferocity of the fighting. Military forces, including elements from the Army, Navy, National Guard, and state security agencies, were deployed to restore order.

State Security Minister Sinuhé Téllez confirmed that the toddler, whose mother had left him in his father's custody during a visit, was among the fatalities. Additionally, 16 inmates were hospitalized with injuries. The investigation is now focused on uncovering how the firearms managed to infiltrate the prison, as two 9mm handguns were recovered after the incident.

State prosecutors and federal security agents are working to piece together the events leading up to the confrontation and to determine if any prison staff may have played a role in the unlawful entry of weapons into the facility.