U.S. News
Texas Inmates Baked Alive In 112-Degree ‘Microwave’
By Belal Awad · June 29, 2023
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The ongoing heatwave in Texas has reportedly resulted in several deaths within the state’s prisons, reportedly due to heat-related illnesses. The absence of air conditioning in most living areas of these correctional facilities, coupled with the record-breaking heat, has drawn significant criticism, as concerns over inmate welfare during extreme weather conditions intensify.
The Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ) has come under fire for its handling of the situation. Despite the soaring temperatures, more than two-thirds of Texas’ 100 prisons lack air conditioning in most living areas. This deficiency exposes thousands of prison staff and tens of thousands of inmates to potentially hazardous heat levels, creating what one doctor at Texas Jesse R. Dawson State Jail described as being “put in a microwave.”
“Imagine your body put in a microwave. That would be the way you feel. Your muscles. Nonstop vomiting, high temperature, sweating. And then you became disoriented,”.
“It amazes me, the lack of common sense,” commented a doctor at Texas Jesse R. Dawson State Jail talking to news agency Ruptly. “The fan sometimes is not enough to cool down the area. They start feeling the symptoms. They start sweating, they are feeling tired, feeling weak. Put some air, force the people to drink some water every hour,” he added.
While TDCJ spokesperson Amanda Hernandez stated that it would be premature to label these deaths as heat-related, an ongoing investigation is underway to determine the role of the heatwave in these fatalities. The results of this investigation are expected to be released soon.
Despite a budget surplus of $32.7 billion this year, state lawmakers chose not to allocate any funds towards installing air conditioning in the dangerously hot prisons.
“Imagine your body put in a microwave. That would be the way you feel. Your muscles. Nonstop vomiting, high temperature, sweating. And then you became disoriented,” expressed a doctor at Texas Jesse R. Dawson State Jail.
The heatwave, which has gripped Texas for three consecutive weeks, has seen temperatures reach a record high of 44.4 Celsius (112 Fahrenheit) in San Angelo. According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, nearly 300 deaths were attributed to heat-related causes in 2022 alone. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports an average of 702 heat-related deaths across the United States each year.
As the investigation into these tragic deaths continues, there is a growing call for accountability and immediate action to safeguard the well-being of inmates in Texas’ correctional facilities. With the heatwave showing no signs of abating, the urgent need for adequate cooling measures, such as air conditioning, becomes increasingly evident.
Light Wave commentary
Commentary: This news story underscores the consequences of the ongoing heatwave on inmates in Texas prisons. The lack of air conditioning in most living areas of these facilities, combined with the extreme record-breaking heat has become a glaring issue, and has caused concern and outrage given the substantial budget surplus available to the authorities this year. The state lawmakers’ decision not to invest in air conditioning raises serious questions about their commitment to inmate welfare.
While the investigation into the deaths is still ongoing, it is crucial to recognize the broader issue of ensuring safe and habitable conditions for inmates during extreme weather conditions. The recent fatalities serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerability of incarcerated individuals when adequate precautions are not taken.
As Texas continues to grapple with the relentless heatwave, there is a need for immediate action to address the lack of air conditioning in prisons and prioritize the health and safety of inmates. The outcome of the investigation will shed light on the extent to which the heatwave and “microwave” conditions contributed to these deaths.