Texas Prisons Suffer as Families Report Ongoing Heat Failures Amid Winter Storm

Editor’s Note (TXAN 24 News):

The following statement was provided to TXAN 24 News by Ashleen Gaddy, President of the Texas Prison Transparency Project. TXAN 24 News is publishing the statement in full to accurately reflect the concerns being raised by families and advocates during the ongoing winter storm. The views expressed are those of the author.

⸻

By Ashleen Gaddy

President, Texas Prison Transparency Project

January 26, 2026

As a severe winter storm continues across Texas, families of incarcerated individuals are raising urgent concerns about conditions inside facilities operated by the Texas Department of Criminal Justice (TDCJ). Despite repeated assurances from unit leadership that heating systems are functioning and cold-weather protections are in place, a growing number of reports from inside multiple prisons indicate otherwise.

Based on hundreds of reports received from incarcerated individuals, families, and advocates, the situation does not appear to be limited to isolated maintenance issues. Instead, there is a troubling pattern of failing heat across several units, combined with inaccurate or misleading information being reported upward through the chain of command.

Over the past several days, consistent reports have continued to come in from across the state:

• Ellis Unit: Individuals report that heating systems remain nonfunctional in housing areas despite being told the issue has been resolved.

• Robertson Unit: Reports of no heat continue. Families are being told heat is operational while individuals inside report no change in conditions.

• Ferguson Unit: Heat has reportedly not been restored. Assurances continue to be passed upward while housing areas remain extremely cold.

• Stiles Unit: Individuals housed in segregated areas report no heat at all, while the rest of the unit is experiencing very cold temperatures.

These reports are coming in continuously from different housing areas and regions, indicating a systemic issue rather than isolated incidents.

At the Connally Unit, the disconnect between official statements and reports from inside is particularly concerning.

Families and advocates have been told by the Warden that all men have received cold-weather jackets, that second blankets have been issued, and that conditions on the unit are stable. These assurances have been communicated to families, advocates, and higher levels of administration.

However, dozens of independent reports continue to state that many individuals have not received second blankets, some do not have jackets, and housing areas remain extremely cold.

When repeated and consistent reports directly contradict official statements, serious concerns arise regarding the accuracy of information being relied upon by upper administration during an active weather emergency.

As President of the Texas Prison Transparency Project, I want to be clear that open lines of communication with TDCJ leadership, wardens, and administrative staff throughout this storm have been appreciated. Many employees across the agency are working long hours in dangerous conditions, and that effort deserves recognition.

At the same time, despite those open lines of communication and the hard work being done, ongoing failures continue to be reported at a small number of units across the state. Acknowledging the work being done does not negate the responsibility to address where systems are still falling short.

There is an understanding that TDCJ administration expects its employees to perform their duties with integrity and professionalism. However, expectations alone are not enough if there is not consistent follow-up to ensure that integrity is being upheld in practice.

When leadership continues to receive numerous reports through emails, phone calls, and public postings on social media, it should be a clear signal that something is wrong. Dismissing or minimizing the volume of those reports creates a dangerous gap between what is being reported on paper and what is being experienced inside housing areas.

This is not an accusation that every staff member is acting in bad faith. However, there is a clear concern that information is being filtered, minimized, or inaccurately represented as it moves from housing staff to wardens, to regional directors, and ultimately to central administration.

Leadership cannot respond effectively if it is being told that problems do not exist.

The continued use of generic responses such as “we are looking into it,” “maintenance is aware,” or “heat is functioning” no longer aligns with the volume and consistency of reports coming from inside facilities across the state.

Cold conditions inside prisons are not a minor inconvenience. Many incarcerated individuals are elderly, medically vulnerable, or living with chronic health conditions. Prolonged exposure to cold increases the risk of illness, respiratory complications, and medical emergencies, particularly during extended winter weather events.

Families are not asking for special treatment. They are asking for honesty, transparency, and basic human safety.

Texas has already experienced the consequences of minimizing warnings during severe winter storms. Families are speaking out now to prevent history from repeating itself behind closed doors.

Immediate steps are needed, including accurate, real-time reporting from units, independent verification of heating functionality during extreme weather, and communication that reflects actual conditions rather than what is reported on paper.

Reassurances do not warm concrete housing areas. Standardized responses do not protect lives. Accountability begins with truth, and right now families are saying that truth is not consistently reaching those who need it most.

This situation remains ongoing. Families with loved ones inside TDCJ facilities experiencing cold conditions are encouraged to continue documenting and reporting what they are hearing from inside. Transparency during a crisis is essential to protecting health, safety, and human dignity.

TXAN 24 News will reach out to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice for comment regarding the concerns raised in this statement and will update this story if a response is received.