Exhibit 99.1

WESTERN GOLDFIELDS ANNOUNCES  COMPLETION OF THE $6,000,000  NON-BROKERED PRIVATE
PLACEMENT

TORONTO, Feb. 20, 2006 (PRIMEZONE) -- Western Goldfields, Inc. (OTC BB:WGDF.OB -
News) is pleased to announce the closing of $2,300,000, the balance of the
non-brokered private placement financing totaling $6,000,000 that was announced
on February 13, 2006.

The Company sold 7,666,667 units at a purchase price per unit of $0.30 in the
second closing for proceeds of $2,300,000. Each unit is comprised of one share
of common stock and one half common stock purchase warrant. Each full common
stock purchase warrant has an exercise price of $0.45 and a term of two years.

The proceeds from the second closing of the non-brokered private placement will
be used to finance the completion of the Mesquite Mine feasibility study and for
general corporate purposes.

Western Goldfields' principal asset is the Mesquite Gold Mine located in
Southern California.

Please Note: All dollar amounts are in U.S. dollars unless otherwise stated.


Certain statements contained herein and subsequent oral statements made by and
on behalf of the Company may contain "forward looking statements" within the
meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward
looking statements are identified by words such as "intends," "anticipates,"
"believes," "expects," and "hopes" and include, without limitation, statements
regarding the Company's plan of business operations, potential contractual
arrangements, receipt of working capital, anticipated revenues and related
expenditures. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially
include, among others, those set forth in the Company's Annual Report on Form
10-KSB for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2004 under the caption, "Risk
Factors." Most these factors are outside the control of the Company. Investors
are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as
otherwise required by applicable securities statutes or regulation, the Company
disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly these forward looking
statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.