Guatemala has declared a state of emergency following a series of events involving gang-related violence, including the deaths of nine police officers by Monday. The incidents began on Saturday with coordinated hostage-taking at three prisons, followed by attacks on security forces in the capital and surrounding areas. Authorities have attributed the violence to gangs reacting to the government's refusal to transfer gang leaders to lower-security facilities and to demands for inmate privileges.
Escalation of Violence and Casualties
On Sunday, eight police officers were reported killed in attacks across the capital and surrounding areas. The death toll rose to nine by Monday, confirmed by National Civil Police Director David Custodio Boteo, who also stated that multiple wounded officers were in critical condition, with some having suffered amputations. Ten additional police officers were reported wounded in these attacks. One suspected gang member was also reported killed during these events.
These attacks on police personnel followed an operation on Sunday morning during which police, supported by the army, regained control of the Renovacion I maximum-security prison in Escuintla, approximately 45 miles south of Guatemala City. The operation involved armored vehicles and tear gas and resulted in the rescue of nine held guards without casualties.
Government Response and Emergency Measures
President Bernardo Arévalo announced a state of emergency on Monday and convened an emergency cabinet meeting to address the security situation. The 30-day state of emergency was officially published on Monday, citing "coordinated actions by gangs against state security forces, including armed attacks against civilian authorities."
Under this declaration, certain rights are limited, including freedom of action, public demonstrations, and the right to carry weapons. It also grants police the authority to make arrests without immediate just cause and allows security forces to restrict vehicle movement in specific areas or subject them to searches. The state of emergency went into effect on Sunday and requires congressional approval, which was anticipated for a vote on Monday. President Arévalo honored the fallen officers in a ceremony at the Interior Ministry on Monday.
Defense Minister Henry Saenz indicated that the army would maintain its street presence to continue efforts against criminal groups. As a safety precaution, schools nationwide were suspended on Monday.
Prison Hostage Situation
The violence commenced on Saturday with inmates taking 46 people hostage across three prisons. Authorities reported that the gangs were demanding privileges for their members and leaders, and the violence was believed to be in retaliation for the government's refusal to transfer gang leaders.
During the police operation at Renovacion I prison, Aldo Dupie, alias "El Lobo," identified as an alleged leader of the Barrio 18 gang in Guatemala, was apprehended.
As of Sunday, inmates continued to hold hostages at two other facilities:
- 28 individuals at Fraijanes II prison.
- 9 individuals at the Preventivo prison.
Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda stated that the government is negotiating for hostage release but affirmed the state's position against yielding to criminal demands.
Background on Gang Violence
The gangs Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) are identified by authorities as being responsible for a significant portion of drug trafficking and criminal violence in Guatemala. Both groups have been designated as terrorist organizations by the U.S. State Department, and by the Guatemalan Congress through reforms in October, which led to longer prison sentences for gang-related crimes. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala issued a security alert on Sunday, advising its personnel to shelter in place, an advisory later lifted with a recommendation for continued caution.
Prison uprisings demanding less restrictive conditions for gang leaders have occurred since mid-2025. In October, 20 leaders of the Barrio 18 gang escaped from prison, with six recaptured and one killed. Guatemala's homicide rate in 2025 was 16.1 per 100,000 inhabitants. Recent events linked to gang violence include the discovery of 12 bodies and the killing of at least seven people during a Barrio 18 member's funeral.