Texas prisons report more than 100 deaths in just months

Texas is a big state with many prisons. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) runs over 100 prison units. Right now, about 135,000 inmates are in these prisons. With such a large prison population, it is not uncommon for deaths to occur behind bars. When an inmate dies while in prison, it is called a custodial death. This term also applies when someone dies in jail or as a result of force used by a police officer. Since January 2025, more than 100 inmates have died in Texas prisons. Some deaths were natural, while others were caused by suicide, homicide, or unknown reasons. Many cases are still under investigation because autopsy reports take time.

Understanding the different causes of death among Texas prison inmates

Most deaths in Texas prisons happen due to natural causes. However, some deaths are still waiting for autopsy reports, while others were caused by suicide or homicide. Below is a breakdown of the known causes of deaths in Texas prisons since January 2025:

• Natural: 63
• Pending Autopsy: 38
• Suicide: 7
• Homicide: 2
• Unknown: 1

These numbers show that the majority of inmates died from natural causes. However, the number of deaths waiting for an autopsy is still high, which means the actual cause of death is unknown for many cases. Investigations are ongoing to determine what happened in these cases.

Life inside Texas prisons: What inmates and officers say about daily conditions

Many people wonder what life inside Texas prisons is really like. To understand the reality, correction officers, former inmates, and volunteers have shared their experiences. Texas prisons operate on a strict schedule. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice states that inmates wake up at 3:30 a.m., eat breakfast at 4:30 a.m., and start work at 6:00 a.m. Every part of an inmate’s day is controlled. They must follow orders, complete assigned work, and follow strict rules. If they break the rules, they lose privileges like television time or access to the commissary. Life inside prison is tough, with little privacy, harsh living conditions, and strict routines.

Prisoners are required to work but do not receive any payment

All inmates in Texas prisons must work if they are physically able. However, they do not receive any money for their labor. Many inmates believe this system is unfair because the prisons benefit from their work without paying them. Some prisoners feel like they are being forced to work for free. This has led to frustration among inmates, especially since prison conditions are already difficult. Even though they are required to work, inmates still struggle to get enough food and resources to meet their daily needs.

Violence and dangerous conditions make life difficult for many Texas prison inmates

Prison can be a dangerous place. Fights break out over small things, and some prisoners suffer serious injuries. Many inmates say that hot temperatures make tempers rise, leading to more violence. Texas prisons do not have air conditioning, which makes summers brutal. The heat can be so intense that metal tables inside the prison become too hot to touch. Winters can also be freezing because prison buildings have weak insulation. These extreme conditions make life inside prison even harder for inmates who are already struggling to survive.

Inmates have no privacy

There is no privacy inside Texas prisons. Inmates must share showers, toilets, and common areas with others. This lack of personal space can make prison life even more stressful. Many former inmates say that sharing such close quarters with so many people is one of the hardest parts of prison life. Some inmates also complain that they do not get enough food, so they rely on commissary items to supplement their meals. The lack of privacy and basic necessities makes survival in prison a daily challenge.

Money plays a big role in prison

Even though inmates do not earn money from working, money still plays a big role in prison life. Inmates rely on funds sent by family members to buy food, hygiene products, and other essentials from the commissary. Inside prison, inmates also trade goods and services with each other. Some prisoners pay others to cook meals using commissary items, while others pay for protection or legal help. This system creates a prison economy where items and favors hold value. Without money or tradeable goods, life inside prison can be even more difficult.

Some guards treat prisoners harsh

Not all guards treat inmates the same way. Some correction officers try to be fair, while others are strict and unforgiving. In some cases, officers have helped inmates in emergencies. One officer had a heart attack, and instead of attacking him, prisoners made noise to get attention and save his life. However, there are also cases where guards mistreat inmates, making prison life even harder. The way an inmate is treated often depends on the officers in charge of their unit.

Trading and bartering are common in Texas prisons

Texas prisons have an economy based on barter. Inmates trade goods and services to get what they need. Many prisoners feel that they do not get enough food, so they trade for extra meals. Some inmates also offer services like filing legal paperwork, making special meals, or even providing protection. Some of these trades involve risky or illegal activities. Life inside prison revolves around getting by with what you have, and many inmates rely on these trade systems to survive.

Daily inmate counts are a critical part of prison operations

Prisons have strict rules for keeping track of inmates. Every day, officers count all inmates to make sure no one is missing. If the count is incorrect, everything stops until the issue is solved. Even small mistakes, like a missing pencil from the education building, can cause long delays. This daily routine is a key part of keeping the prison system running smoothly. Inmates must be accounted for at all times, and any mistake in the count can cause serious disruptions.

Entertainment is limited and considered a privilege

Entertainment options in Texas prisons are very limited. Most inmates do not have televisions in their cells. Some prisons have shared TVs in dayrooms, but watching television is a privilege that can be taken away for breaking rules. Books are allowed, but many books are banned. Losing access to television or books makes prison life even more difficult. Since entertainment is limited, inmates rely on conversations, letters, and small personal activities to pass the time.

Adjusting to life outside of Texas prisons can be very hard

Life after prison is not easy. Former inmates must follow parole rules, find jobs, and adjust to life outside. Many employers do not hire felons, which makes finding work difficult. However, some ex-inmates find jobs in restaurants, construction, or other industries. These jobs require hard work but provide a way to rebuild life after prison. Adjusting to the outside world takes time, but some former inmates manage to turn their lives around and start fresh.

Texas prisons are tough places with strict rules, hard work, and little comfort. Many inmates struggle with violence, poor living conditions, and a lack of privacy. Some inmates find hope after release, but life outside prison is also full of challenges. The high number of inmate deaths in Texas prisons is a reminder of how difficult life behind bars can be. Prison is not just about punishment—it is also about survival.