Texas inmates are being ‘cooked to death’ in extreme heat, complaint alleges

This story was originally published by The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan media organization that informs and engages with Texans about public policy and statewide issues. In April, as temperatures began to soar in Texas, concerns were raised about the dangerous conditions faced by incarcerated individuals in the state’s prisons, where triple-digit temperatures are common. Advocates filed a complaint against the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, arguing that the lack of air conditioning in most prisons amounts to cruel and unusual punishment. The complaint, supported by four nonprofit organizations, expands on a lawsuit initiated by an inmate who suffered a medical crisis due to extreme heat. The plaintiffs are calling for a federal judge to declare the state’s prison policy unconstitutional and mandate that temperatures be kept under 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite the dangers posed by excessive heat, the state has not taken adequate measures to address the issue. Inmates report having to resort to extreme measures to stay cool, such as flooding their cells with water. The lack of air conditioning not only poses a threat to the health and safety of prisoners but also impacts the staff working in these facilities. While the state has made some efforts to mitigate the effects of heat, advocates argue that these measures are insufficient. With climate change leading to more frequent and intense heat waves, it is imperative that action be taken to protect the well-being of incarcerated individuals in Texas.