According to the latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Justice, more than two million men and women are now behind bars in the United States. The country that holds itself out as the "land of freedom" incarcerates a higher percentage of its people than any other country.
|
Background Briefing
US: More Than Two Million People Incarcerated
A Human Rights Watch Backgrounder
Every piece on our website is resource intensive. If you donate whatever you can today, we will use it to continue investigating abuses and advocate for change in 100+ countries.
Region / Country
Topic
More Reading
-
March 11, 2026
Bahrain Should Urgently Release Prisoners Amid Airstrikes
-
December 18, 2025
US: Masked Federal Agents Undermine Rule of Law
Reports
-
-
November 12, 2025
“You Have Arrived in Hell”
Torture and Other Abuses Against Venezuelans in El Salvador’s Mega Prison
Most Viewed
-
October 18, 2018
“It’s Not Normal”
-
October 24, 2026
Japan Should Stop Punishing Sex Workers
-
August 16, 2016
“We’re Afraid for Their Future”
-
December 7, 2011
"How Come You Allow Little Girls to Get Married?"
-
May 17, 2021
“Years Don’t Wait for Them”
