Covid-19 and Incarceration

The Covid-19 Pandemic highlights the dehumanization and injustice incarcerated people face daily

New Mexico currently leads the nation in Covid-19 deaths among incarcerated people per capita, despite also leading the country in vaccine rollout, mitigation strategy, and capacity preparation. When the Covid-19 pandemic hit New Mexico, people in prison were especially vulnerable to the potentially deadly virus. Tight quarters, lack of adequate personal hygiene supplies (such as the basics, like soap), limited (and late) personal protective equipment (PPE), and flimsy mitigation and containment strategies all increased risk for incarcerated people. 
Nearly half of all incarcerated people in New Mexico committed – or are sentenced – for non-violent crimes. The state outlawed capital punishment in 2009, but imprisoned people still have minimal options for release in an emergency or disaster. 
This disparity highlights the dehumanization and systemic injustice embedded in our criminal justice system.