Truth matters. Community matters. Your support makes both possible. LAist is one of the few places where news remains independent and free from political and corporate influence. Stand up for truth and for LAist. Make your year-end tax-deductible gift now.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Inmate assesses causes of Chino prison riot
Listen
Inmate assesses causes of Chino prison riot
California prison officials blame crowding, but inmates blame racial animosity and gang violence for a riot at the Chino men’s prison during the weekend.
Rene “Boxer” Enriquez is a former “carnal” in the Mexican Mafia. He’s spent 30 years in the state’s correctional system, including two spells at the California Institution for Men in Chino.
Rene Enriquez: “You’re either part of the solution or you’re considered part of the problem, so for individuals who are standing by the wayside, and who choose not to participate, later on they’ll be targeted by a specific group, whether it be the blacks or the Hispanics. Whoever refrains from participation will be assaulted in the future, there is no choice in this matter.”
Enriquez told KPCC’s "Patt Morrison" that the Chino prison, in particular, is extremely violent and crowded. The weekend incident injured more than 100 inmates, but no prison staff.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive before year-end will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
