Behind Bars: The World's Toughest Prisons Season 2 Episode 5 El Hongo, Tecate, Mexico

Behind Bars: The World's Toughest Prisons season 2 episode 5 explores El Hongo, a prison in Tecate, Mexico that is infamous for its brutal and inhumane living conditions. Viewers will be taken inside the maximum-security facility and will witness the sheer chaos that exists within its walls.

The episode begins with an overview of the prison's history. Originally built to house low-level offenders, El Hongo quickly transformed into a violent and overcrowded facility that is now home to some of Mexico's most dangerous criminals. With a capacity of just 5,000 inmates, the prison currently houses over 7,000 men, women, and children, many of whom have been waiting years for their trial dates.

Viewers will then be introduced to some of the prisoners and staff members at El Hongo. They will hear from a young woman who has been awaiting trial for over a year, despite having no evidence against her. They will meet a man who has been incarcerated for 10 years and has yet to receive a sentence. They will also hear from a guard who admits that corruption runs rampant throughout the prison.

As the episode progresses, viewers will witness the daily struggles of life at El Hongo. They will see the overcrowded cells where dozens of detainees are cramped together on filthy floors. They will see the lack of food, clean water, and medical attention that the prisoners receive. They will also witness the extreme violence that occurs between rival gangs within the prison's walls.

To give viewers a greater understanding of the horrors that occur at El Hongo, the episode also features interviews with human rights activists and former prisoners. They provide insight into the corrupt justice system that allows these conditions to exist and the trauma that continues to affect those who have been incarcerated at the facility.

Despite the overwhelming darkness of the episode, viewers will also be introduced to some of the prisoners who have found ways to survive and even thrive within the hellish environment of El Hongo. They will hear from a man who has started a recycling program within the prison, providing a sense of purpose and community to his fellow inmates. They will also meet a man who has been trained in carpentry and now uses his skills to create furniture for the prison's staff members.

By the end of the episode, viewers will be left with a deep sense of horror and despair for the individuals trapped within El Hongo, but also a sense of hope for those who have found ways to survive and even improve their lives. The episode serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for justice system reform, both in Mexico and around the world.