Bodies found in Mexican prison during riot

TIJUANA, Mexico, Sept. 18 (UPI) -- Authorities in Tijuana, Mexico, say they found 19 bodies in La Mesa State Penitentiary following a second riot at the prison.

Baja California Secretary of Public Safety Daniel de la Rosa said once prison officials regained control of the prison Wednesday, the bodies were found in the facility, The San Diego Union-Tribune reported Thursday.

"The penitentiary is completely under control," de la Rosa said.

Wednesday's riot at the Tijuana facility marked the second time in four days that the La Mesa prison was the scene of a riot by prisoners. Sunday's riot resulted in four deaths, de la Rosa said.

Information regarding the total of 23 deaths during the pair of riots hasn't been released, the Union-Tribune said.

The newspaper said such a lack of information will likely anger concerned family members of those held in the penitentiary. Tensions have been high outside the facility as protesters allegedly burned at least two police vehicles Wednesday night near the penitentiary.

The site has also been the target of allegations of overcrowding and unhygienic conditions.