Prison Crime Hub

Here's a summary of the provided text: The Trump administration's focus on combating drug trafficking is overlooking a critical battleground: Latin American prisons. These facilities have become incubators for powerful criminal organizations like Tren de Aragua and PCC, where they were initially formed, reorganized, and expanded their influence. Overcrowding, under-resourcing, and self-governance within prisons have allowed gangs to control illicit activities, including drug distribution, extortion, and even international trade. Multiple countries, including Brazil, Ecuador, and El Salvador, are grappling with similar issues, with mass incarceration strategies – sometimes involving military involvement – proving largely ineffective and potentially exacerbating the problem. The prison environment provides a safe haven for gang leaders, facilitates criminal economies, and fuels violence, making it a key node in the global drug trade. Experts warn that simply increasing punishments or deploying military force won't solve the problem; addressing the root causes of crime and providing opportunities for rehabilitation are crucial, but often overlooked, solutions.