Prisoners Rights

Every person, no matter who they are or where they are held, deserves to be treated with dignity. In Puerto Rico, the ACLU works to end inhumane prison conditions, challenge abuse and neglect, and ensure that the rights of incarcerated people are upheld under the Constitution and international human rights law.

Prisoners Rights

What you need to know

7,466

Average daily correctional population in Puerto Rico in October 2025.

68

Deaths were reported in Puerto Rico’s adult correctional institutions during fiscal year 2023–2024.

Partially Compliant

As of December 2025, Puerto Rico Police remained only partially compliant with the requirement that stops, searches, arrests, and detentions be conducted consistent with constitutional rights.

Stand for Dignity Behind Bars

We’re fighting to end overcrowding, improve healthcare access, and expose abuses inside Puerto Rico’s prisons. You can help by amplifying our advocacy, supporting litigation for reform, or donating to sustain this work. Together, we can demand accountability and humane treatment for every person behind bars.

Key Issues

Across Puerto Rico’s correctional system, decades of neglect have created conditions that violate both constitutional protections and basic human rights. From severe overcrowding and inadequate healthcare to barriers in legal access and a lack of oversight, these issues expose a system in urgent need of reform and accountability.

Overcrowding and Health: Chronic overcrowding and limited medical services endanger lives every day.

Legal Access: Incarcerated people often face barriers to accessing legal counsel and justice.

Accountability: Ongoing investigations and lawsuits expose systemic failures in oversight and governance.

Prisoners Rights

The Latest

Press Release
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House Bill 406 Seeks to Create the "Puerto Rico Police Act"

Issue Areas: Criminal Law Reform, Prisoners Rights, Women's Rights, Racial Justice
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Legal

Since its founding, the ACLU of Puerto Rico has been at the forefront of landmark legal battles defending civil rights and liberties across the archipelago. Our legal team challenges systemic injustice through strategic litigation that protects free expression, due process, equality, and government accountability. From fighting police brutality and defending the rights of incarcerated people to advancing reproductive freedom and immigrants’ rights, we work to ensure that justice in Puerto Rico is accessible, equitable, and enduring.
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Free or low-cost legal resources in Puerto Rico

Do you need legal help in Puerto Rico? Explore these free or low-cost legal resources that can assist you.
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Recursos legales gratuitos o de bajo costo en Puerto Rico

¿Necesita ayuda legal en Puerto Rico? Explore estos recursos legales gratuitos o de bajo costo que pueden ayudarlo.
Court Case
Apr 22, 2024

Alvin Marrero-Méndez v. Héctor Pesquera

Alvin Marrero-Méndez v. Héctor Pesquera, et al. (Case No. 13-cv-01203-JAG) is a civil lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. The complaint alleges that the plaintiff, Alvin Marrero-Méndez, a police officer, experienced discrimination and retaliation from his supervisors because of his religious beliefs, or lack thereof. The lawsuit claims that supervisors subjected him to mandatory, officially sponsored prayer and unwanted proselytizing. When Marrero-Méndez objected to these practices, he was humiliated publicly, disarmed, given downgraded duties such as washing cars, and denied days off. The complaint seeks monetary damages and an injunction to stop these practices and restore the plaintiff's regular job duties.
Court Case
Apr 22, 2024

Amicus Brief - Comité Diálogo Ambiental v. FEMA

The case Comité Diálogo Ambiental v. FEMA focuses on the demand for disaster recovery funds to be used to transform Puerto Rico's electrical power system into one based on solar energy. The lawsuit argues that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and other U.S. agencies have a duty to respect the will of the people of Puerto Rico, as expressed by their legislature, and to promote the island's economic development. The legal basis cited includes Article 73 of the United Nations Charter and the right of peoples to self-determination, emphasizing that federal actions must align with the best interests of the Puerto Rican population.
Court Case
Apr 22, 2024

Jahaira Ponce-Morales v. ELA

This case, Jahaira Ponce Morales, et als v. E.L.A., et als, (Civil No. BY2013-02917), concerns the death of a female inmate while in the custody of the Department of Correction. The initial lawsuit for civil rights violations against several supervisors in their personal capacity was dismissed by the trial court. This decision was appealed, but the appeal was unsuccessful. However, the case against the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico remains pending before the Bayamón Superior Court. Subsequently, a second amended complaint was filed, which once again includes the officials in their personal capacity.
Court Case
Mar 02, 2026

Jahaira Ponce-Morales v. ELA

Este caso, Jahaira Ponce Morales, et als v. E.L.A., et als, (Civil No. BY2013-02917), se relaciona con la muerte de una reclusa mientras estaba bajo custodia del Departamento de Corrección. La demanda inicial por violación de derechos civiles contra varios supervisores en su capacidad personal fue desestimada por el tribunal de primera instancia. Esta decisión fue apelada, pero la apelación no tuvo éxito. A pesar de esto, el caso contra el Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico continúa pendiente ante el Tribunal Superior de Bayamón. Posteriormente, se presentó una segunda demanda enmendada, que nuevamente incluye a los funcionarios en su capacidad personal.