Ecuador's President Daniel Noboa revealed his intention to build a new prison designed to hold 15,000 inmates. This move aims to alleviate the crisis in the country’s penitentiary system, which he claims has been neglected by previous administrations, resulting in deteriorating conditions and lack of security. In a statement made during an interview with Radio City on February 20, 2026, Noboa pointed out that some prison facilities have serious issues, such as non-functional doors and inadequate security measures that have allowed inmates to walk around freely, likening it to a home environment.

Noboa emphasized the urgent need for a larger facility to relocate inmates from several prisons that are currently in disrepair, including those located in Esmeraldas, Portoviejo, and Santo Domingo. The President noted that notorious prisons in Guayaquil, like Penitenciaría del Litoral and La Roca, are problematic due to their locations within the city, which facilitates the emergence of criminal economies. He pointed out that criminals dislike the isolation of the new proposed facility, as it would minimize their ability to operate outside the prison walls.

This announcement comes during a period when Ecuador has been grappling with increasing prison violence and overcrowding. By constructing a new facility, the government aims to improve prison conditions and curb the influence of organized crime, signaling a significant shift in the country's approach to its penal system. Noboa's initiative indicates a commitment to reforming the correctional system and addressing long-standing issues that have plagued Ecuadorian jails for years.