California’s prison system faces escalating violence due to ‘dropout’ gangs, groups formed by inmates who have defected from traditional gangs.
These gangs have emerged in protective custody areas, known as “sensitive needs yards,” which were initially intended to shield vulnerable inmates from gang violence. However, these yards have become as violent as the general population, contributing to a surge in prison violence in 2025, with 31 inmates killed, the highest in five years.
One of the most notorious dropout gangs is the Riders, led by Maurice Vasquez, who refers to his group as a “movement” rather than a gang. Vasquez, serving a 65-year sentence for conspiring to commit murder, has been known to flaunt luxury items like Cartier glasses and Tiffany jewelry, obtained through contraband smuggling. The Riders are responsible for stabbings, drug sales, and robberies both inside and outside prison walls, according to law enforcement officials.
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) established dropout yards in 1999, hoping to encourage gang members to reform by offering a peaceful environment. However, the rise of dropout gangs has complicated the situation, as these groups often engage in violent power struggles and contraband trade. The CDCR has faced legal challenges from inmates and their families, who claim that the department failed to protect them from violence on these yards.
Despite efforts to crack down on violence, such as restricting inmate movement and revoking privileges, the problem persists. The CDCR continues to grapple with how to manage inmates who drop out from dropout gangs, as they pose a significant threat to prison safety. The rise of dropout gangs highlights the ongoing challenges within California’s prison system and the need for effective strategies to address inmate violence and gang influence.
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