When people hear about prisons, they often imagine grim places where individuals pay for their crimes and hopefully find some level of rehabilitation. But in reality, some U.S. prisons are more like a nightmare than a place for reform.
Harsh conditions, rampant violence, overcrowding, and inhumane treatment define these places, making life for inmates a living hell.
You’ve probably heard about Rikers or Attica being among the worst prisons in America, but there are many other facilities that are also notorious for their conditions.
Here’s a look at the most dangerous and worst prisons in the U.S. as of 2024.
17. USP Marion (Illinois)
USP Marion became infamous in the 1980s when it replaced Alcatraz as the primary supermax facility. Harsh conditions, excessive use of solitary confinement, and staff abuse continue to define the prison’s operations today.
Many inmates at Marion suffer from psychological damage due to the prolonged isolation, and violence remains a constant threat.
Violence and Isolation
In the early 1980s, USP Marion experienced significant violence, including the murders of two guards in 1983, which led to a permanent lockdown that severely restricted inmates’ movements, as per UPI.
This led to long-term solitary confinement, criticized as inhumane by prison rights activists. The lockdown has persisted, contributing to the prison’s notorious reputation.
Abuse Allegations
Over the years, multiple reports have surfaced about the abusive treatment of inmates. Allegations include physical abuse, verbal assaults, denial of religious rights, and neglect of prisoners’ basic needs.
Inmates have also protested against restrictions on visits and phone calls, as well as the limited availability of educational and vocational programs.
Inmate Suicides and Deaths
According to Stephen C. Richards’ study, USP Marion has a troubling history of inmate suicides and deaths, often linked to the harsh conditions and overuse of solitary confinement.
16. Leavenworth Federal Penitentiary (Kansas)
Leavenworth is another federal prison with a reputation for violence and mistreatment by staff.
Allegations of physical and sexual abuse by guards are common, and the prison struggles with overcrowding. Like many other facilities on this list, inadequate healthcare, especially for mental health issues, is a significant problem.
Ongoing Lockdowns and Restricted Visitation
Since March 2024, the prison has been under an extended lockdown due to an ongoing investigation related to security breaches, including the introduction of a firearm into the facility, Kansas Public Radio reports.
This has led to restricted visitation, sparking protests from families and concerns over transparency and staffing shortages. The situation has exacerbated tensions, with inmate families advocating for the resumption of normal operations.
The union for prison employees believes the lockdown is being used to bypass labor agreements around staff levels.
Plans for a New Facility
In response to the deteriorating state of the existing prison, Congress has approved a $532 million project to replace the aging facility, which was originally built in 1897, Kansas Reflector reports.
The new Leavenworth prison, slated for completion by 2026, is expected to provide improved infrastructure and more space for rehabilitative programs. This investment comes after years of advocacy, as the current facility has been deemed outdated and increasingly costly to maintain.
15. San Quentin State Prison (California)
San Quentin is one of the oldest prisons in California, and while it’s made some efforts to change its image, it remains a dangerous place.
Overcrowding, racial tensions, and gang violence are major issues. Additionally, the prison’s healthcare system is lacking, leaving many inmates without the medical attention they need.
Transformation Plan for Rehabilitation
According to Courthouse News, Governor Gavin Newsom has initiated plans to transform San Quentin from a notorious prison into a “model rehabilitation facility” inspired by Scandinavian prison models.
The new approach aims to reduce recidivism by focusing on education and rehabilitation rather than pure incarceration. Despite the ambitious vision, the proposal has stirred debating the feasibility of such an overhaul in a facility with deep-seated issues.
Violence and Homicides
CDC reports that, in September 2024, the death of an inmate at San Quentin was ruled a homicide, adding to the prison’s grim reputation.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) is investigating this incident as part of a broader inquiry into violent behavior within the facility.
14. USP Pollock (Pollock, Louisiana)
USP Pollock, another high-security federal prison, has long been known for its extreme violence. Like many of the worst prisons in the U.S., it’s plagued by gang activity and stabbings.
Inmates here also deal with excessive force from staff, contributing to a hostile and dangerous environment.
Violence and Inmate Misconduct
USP Pollock has been notorious for violent incidents, including the stabbing of correctional officers by inmates.
For instance, in March 2024, an inmate named Demetri Goldsmith was sentenced to an additional 18 years for assaulting federal officers, highlighting the ongoing threats correctional staff face within the facility, the U.S. Attorney’s Office reports.
13. USP Hazelton (Bruceton Mills, West Virginia)
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USP Hazelton, often referred to as “Misery Mountain,” lives up to its nickname. It’s a place where violence, especially gang-related, happens far too often.
Inmates and staff both face dangerous conditions, and allegations of excessive force by guards make it even more chaotic. Health care, especially mental health care, is severely lacking, creating a hopeless atmosphere for inmates.
Two Inmate Deaths in March 2024
On a single weekend, two inmates died at USP Hazelton. Jevonte L. Green, 36, was found unresponsive and later died, with his death suspected to be drug-related.
Less than 24 hours later, Marcelino Heredia, 48, was killed in an apparent assault, Dominion Post reports. These deaths follow the prison’s increasing violence and turmoil.
Criticism of Leadership and Safety Measures
Dominion also reports that the staff members have expressed concerns over the prison administration’s failure to take adequate safety measures following several assaults, including attacks on staff.
12. USP Big Sandy (Inez, Kentucky)
USP Big Sandy shares many similarities with USP Beaumont, with extreme gang activity, regular assaults, and a significant number of inmate murders.
Correctional officers are often accused of excessive force, and the lack of mental health and medical support only worsens the situation. For inmates, the constant threat of violence makes Big Sandy one of the most terrifying federal prisons.
Violence and Danger
Washington City Paper reports that USP Big Sandy is known for being extremely dangerous, with high levels of inmate violence and frequent lockdowns. Inmates face severe risks due to gang rivalries and frequent stabbings, making it one of the most violent federal prisons in the country.
Assault Allegations and Misconduct
As per Justice.gov, several correctional officers from USP Big Sandy have been involved in misconduct, including civil rights violations.
For instance, two former officers were sentenced for assaulting federal inmates in separate incidents, reflecting ongoing issues with staff violence.
Frequent Lockdowns
USP Big Sandy experiences frequent and prolonged lockdowns, which exacerbate the harsh conditions for inmates, Scheerpost reported.
These lockdowns are considered particularly brutal, often leading to deteriorating physical and mental health among prisoners.
11. USP Beaumont (Beaumont, Texas)
USP Beaumont is a high-security federal prison where violence is a daily reality. Stabbings, gang activity, and racial tensions make it one of the most brutal places in the federal system.
Many inmates complain about poor healthcare services and delays in receiving necessary medical attention. This combination of extreme violence and neglect creates a dangerous environment for everyone inside.
Gang Violence and Fatal Incidents (2022-2024)
USP Beaumont has been plagued by intense gang violence, particularly between members of the Sureños and MS-13 gangs.
Prison Legal News reported that, in January 2022, a violent brawl led to the death of two inmates, prompting a nationwide lockdown of all Bureau of Prisons (BOP) facilities due to fears of widespread retaliation.
Prison Legal News also emphasize that despite a slight increase in the federal prison population since 2001, the murder rate in federal prisons has surged, like in the whole United States, with the number of murders rising by 44%.
10. Orleans Parish Prison (New Orleans, Louisiana)
Orleans Parish Prison is notorious for violence and mismanagement. Guards often ignore inmate fights, which can lead to life-threatening injuries.
In one instance, 23 inmates were sent to the emergency room in a single month because of fights that were left unchecked.
With overcrowding and little intervention from the staff, it’s easy to see why Orleans Parish has become one of the most violent prisons in the country.
Impact on Minority Communities
According to Verite News, the prison disproportionately impacts Black and poor communities, as they represent the majority of the incarcerated population in Orleans Parish.
This is part of a broader issue of mass incarceration in Louisiana, which has some of the highest incarceration rates in the country.
Ranked as One of the Worst Prisons in the U.S.
Various publications have consistently ranked Orleans Parish Prison among the worst in America due to its harsh living conditions by World Population Review.
Frequent inmate violence, and management failures. The prison is known for being overcrowded, understaffed, and plagued by internal corruption.
9. Red Onion State Prison (Virginia)
Virginia’s Red Onion State Prison is another supermax facility, and like ADX Florence, it relies heavily on solitary confinement. For the inmates, that means spending most of their time in isolation, which can wreak havoc on their mental health.
Lawsuits have highlighted the inhumane conditions, including guards using excessive force and the prison’s lack of adequate mental health care. The heavy use of solitary confinement and brutal treatment has made Red Onion one of the worst places an inmate can find themselves in the U.S.
Hunger Strike and Human Rights Concerns (2024)
Truthout reported that inmates at Red Onion initiated a hunger strike in early 2024 to protest against inhumane conditions, including long-term solitary confinement.
They claim that the prison subjects them to torture, such as five-point restraints (where prisoners are shackled to a bed for extended periods) and physical abuse like breaking fingers.
These conditions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, with prisoners demanding independent oversight to curb these abuses.
Isolation and Mental Health Impact
Red Onion continues to face criticism for its widespread use of solitary confinement, where over 500 inmates are isolated for up to 23 hours a day, as per Solitary Watch.
This isolation is linked to severe mental health problems, including exacerbating existing conditions and increasing suicide risk.
8. Thomson Correctional Center (Illinois)
Thomson Correctional Center might be relatively new on the scene, but it’s already gained a reputation for violence and abuse.
Multiple reports in recent years have detailed excessive force by guards, including frequent use of shackles and beatings. Severe understaffing only makes the situation worse, with fewer people available to keep order, leading to even more inmate mistreatment.
Violent Incidents and Deaths
The Marshall Project reported that, since 2019, Thomson Correctional Center has seen at least five suspected homicides and several suicides, contributing to its reputation as one of the deadliest federal prisons.
Most of the violence occurred in its Special Management Unit (SMU), where prisoners were often kept in double-celled solitary confinement for nearly 24 hours a day.
7. Attica Correctional Facility (New York)
Most people recognize Attica Correctional Facility from the 1971 uprising, which led to the deaths of 43 people.
Since then, Attica has maintained its reputation for being a violent, overcrowded prison where brutal incidents between guards and inmates are not uncommon.
Despite the decades that have passed, conditions haven’t improved much, and Attica remains one of the most feared prisons in the U.S.
Legal Actions Against Solitary Confinement of Mentally Ill Inmates (2024)
NY Times reports that a lawsuit was filed by the Legal Aid Society, accusing the state prison system, including Attica, of placing mentally ill people in solitary confinement.
This practice has led to further deterioration of mental health for many inmates.
6. Penitentiary of New Mexico (Santa Fe, New Mexico)
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The Penitentiary of New Mexico will forever be haunted by the 1980 riot, one of the deadliest in U.S. history. During that event, 33 inmates lost their lives, many in unimaginably brutal ways. Though it happened decades ago, the violence and unrest haven’t completely disappeared.
Even today, the prison struggles with gang violence and overall safety. Improvements have been made since the infamous riot, but the scars remain. And for the inmates, it’s a place where fear and tension are still very much a part of daily life.
Staff Shortages and Transfers
According to Corrections 1, PNM has been facing a severe staff shortage, with a vacancy rate of over 40%.
Despite this, the prison has taken on additional inmates transferred from the Metropolitan Detention Center due to a rise in arrests related to gun violence.
5. William C. Holman Correctional Facility (Alabama)
Holman Correctional Facility is infamous for being overcrowded, violent, and understaffed. Originally built to house 600 inmates, it’s often crammed with over 1,000, creating an environment that’s dangerous for everyone inside.
Violence between inmates, staff brutality, and appalling living conditions have led Alabama authorities to consider closing it down. Yet, despite these talks, it remains open, and the inmates continue to suffer.
A riot in 2016 highlighted just how dire the conditions are, with prisoners setting fires and taking control of part of the facility. Holman is a clear example of what happens when prisons become overwhelmed by too many people and too few resources.
Closure Due to Deterioration
Large sections of Holman are closing due to deteriorating infrastructure, such as failing sewer, water, and electrical systems. Over 600 inmates are being transferred to other prisons as part of the process, Corrections1 reported.
4. Folsom State Prison (California)
Folsom State Prison might ring a bell, thanks to its history and the famous Johnny Cash concert in the ’60s. But behind the music, Folsom has a long history of violence.
Riots, gang warfare, and severe inmate injuries are regular occurrences. Despite efforts to reform the prison, it remains one of the most violent institutions in California.
The 2010 riot, where numerous inmates were seriously hurt, is just one chapter in Folsom’s bloody history. It’s a place where gang-related violence thrives, and for many inmates, survival comes down to staying out of harm’s way.
Corruption and Cover-ups
According to Prison Legal News, there have been several allegations of corruption within the prison system. Guards have been implicated in falsifying records and covering up violent incidents, including deaths of inmates under suspicious circumstances.
In one case, a prison guard was involved in the death of an inmate, and an attempt was made to cover up the event by falsifying reports. Investigations into guard misconduct and cover-ups continue, but the prison has a long history of corruption that has persisted.
Recent Incidents and Escapes
Security issues at Folsom have also resulted in several prison escapes, with the last major incident happening in 2017, as per Prisonsinfo. Tightened security measures have not fully resolved the issue, with prison escapes continuing to be a concern.
3. Louisiana State Penitentiary (Angola, Louisiana)
The largest maximum-security prison in the U.S., Louisiana State Penitentiary, often referred to as Angola, has a dark past. Built on a former plantation, it’s a haunting reminder of the exploitation of the past—and it hasn’t changed much.
Inmates still work the surrounding farms, echoing the exploitation of old. Angola is infamous for its history of violence, riots, and brutality.
The American Bar Association even described it as being in a perpetual state of emergency. The worst part? Rehabilitation is barely a priority here. Instead, it’s a cycle of violence that just keeps turning, making it one of the worst prisons in the country.
Inhumane Medical Care
Angola’s healthcare system has faced longstanding criticisms for severe neglect. Inmates have reported not receiving basic medical attention, leading to preventable amputations, deaths from untreated conditions, and years-long waits for critical surgeries.
A federal judge found the prison’s healthcare “unconstitutional” and ordered reforms, but the state is appealing. The court emphasized that conditions amounted to cruel and unusual punishment, violating the Eighth Amendment, WWNO reported.
History of Racial Exploitation
The farm labor system at Angola is deeply tied to its history as a former slave plantation. Critics describe the work system as “modern-day slavery,” where inmates are forced to work for little to no pay, with some earning as little as two cents per hour after years of unpaid labor.
2. Rikers Island (New York, New York)
Rikers Island is not just a prison—it’s a symbol of violence, corruption, and abuse. Guard brutality here is a well-documented issue, with reports of excessive force and even sexual abuse by staff and fellow inmates.
On top of that, overcrowding is rampant, and the prison is home to many juvenile inmates with severe mental health issues who rarely get the care they need. It’s a terrifying combination of factors, and it’s no wonder that Rikers has become one of the most feared prisons in the country.
Overcrowded, under-resourced, and violent—it paints a grim picture of life on the inside.
Calls for Federal Takeover
A federal judge is currently considering the future of Rikers Island, with advocacy groups pushing for a federal takeover due to the city’s repeated failure to address inhumane conditions, Spectrum News NY1 reported.
This hearing, initiated in 2024, reflects growing frustration with the city’s inability to reform the jail.
Budget and Staffing Issues
The Nation reports that, despite a budget of $1.4 billion and a much smaller inmate population compared to the 1990s, Rikers continues to struggle with underperformance.
Critics argue that the jail’s problems are systemic, spanning decades and multiple city administrations, and have worsened despite various reform efforts.
1. ADX Florence (Florence, Colorado)
ADX Florence stands out, not just for its name but for its reputation. It’s a supermax facility, designed for the worst of the worst. Here, inmates are locked up in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day. Sounds bleak, right? Well, it gets worse.
Solitary confinement, over time, takes a heavy toll on the human mind. Imagine spending nearly every hour of every day in isolation—no meaningful human contact, just a small cell, and your thoughts.
For many prisoners, this extreme isolation leads to severe psychological issues. Critics have long argued that the prison’s use of solitary confinement amounts to cruel and unusual punishment.
And honestly, it’s hard to disagree when you look at the impact this kind of isolation has on someone’s mental health.
Harsh Living Conditions
According to HowStuffWorks, the cells have immovable concrete furniture, including a concrete bed and desk. Meals are passed through a slot, and inmates receive only one hour of exercise per day, either in isolation or in small, secure outdoor areas.
Recent Legal Developments
The Marshall Project reports that, in 2024, a significant lawsuit highlighted the mistreatment of mentally ill inmates.
The case led to the transfer of many prisoners to facilities better equipped to handle mental health issues, and policy changes were implemented to improve screenings and treatment for future inmates.
Final Thoughts
Prisons like these raise serious questions about the state of the U.S. correctional system. Overcrowding, understaffing, and brutality make life inside some of these places a living nightmare.
It’s clear that reform is necessary if there’s any hope of changing the inhumane conditions found in these institutions.
References
- The Marion pen: The toughest prison, the worst prisoners
- Leavenworth prison union says staffing shortages are the real cause of ongoing ‘lockdown’
- Politicians mark start of $532 million project to replace Leavenworth’s 126-year-old penitentiary
- ‘No emotion – except hatred’: A firsthand look at a prison being transformed
- San Quentin Rehabilitation Center Officials Investigating the Death of an Incarcerated Person as a Homicide
- Federal Inmate Sentenced to Additional 18+ Years for Assaulting Federal Officers
- Death, violence continue at Hazelton prison
- Hunger and Violence Dominate Daily Life at USP McCreary, Where D.C. Men Are Incarcerated
- Three Big Sandy Employees Indicted for Civil Rights Violations
- Prison Lockdowns Are Becoming More Frequent and More Brutal Across the US
- Gang Violence in Texas Federal Prison Results in Two Deaths, Nationwide BOP Lockdown
- Incarceration impacts every parish, but Black and poor neighborhoods are hardest-hit
- Worst Prisons by State 2024
- Hunger Strikers at Virginia Supermax Face Retaliation for Protest Against Torturous Conditions
- At Virginia’s Supermax Prisons, Isolation and Abuse Persist Despite Reforms
- ‘This is Major Trauma’: New Accounts of Abuse at Federal Prison Prompt Calls for Investigations
- N.Y. Prisons Holding Mentally Ill People in Solitary, Lawsuit Says
- Penitentiary of New Mexico
- N.M. penitentiary transfers intensify amid staff shortages and rise in arrests
- Warden, officer stabbed in Alabama prison riot
- Investigations Into the Deaths of Several Prisoners and Two Guards Reveal Rampant Corruption, Cover-ups in California Prison
- A judge ruled a Louisiana prison’s health care system has failed inmates for decades. A federal law could block reforms.
- Angola prisoners ask to end field work in worst heat
- Judge to consider future of Rikers Island
- How America’s Most Famous Federal Prison Faced a Dirty Secret
