In Guatemala, ten police officers have been killed as part of a surge of gang-related attacks, which started with riots in three prisons. This has led President Bernardo Arévalo to announce a 30-day nationwide state of emergency to tackle the escalating violence.
The turmoil began on Saturday, January 17, as inmates overpowered three prisons in simultaneous riots, taking between 43 and 46 guards captive, depending on the source. The gang members were seeking benefits for their members and leaders. In response, security forces attempted to regain control of the prisons on Sunday, sparking a series of revenge attacks on the police force.
The security forces moved into the Renovación I maximum-security prison in Escuintla, about 47 miles south of Guatemala City, with armored vehicles and tear gas. Gang members also held hostages in two more prisons: 28 at the Fraijanes II facility east of the capital, and another nine at the Preventivo prison on the city’s outskirts.
Following the prison operations, officers were killed in Villanueva, on the outskirts of Guatemala City, where evidence markers were set up. Initially, eight police officers were reported dead, with 10 others injured in the counterattacks. Officials confirmed on Monday, January 19, that ten officers had died as a result of the attacks.
President Arévalo instituted the 30-day nationwide state of emergency on Sunday evening. The provision suspends the right to assembly and allows for individuals to be arrested and questioned without a court order. The emergency declaration was approved by the country’s lawmakers on Monday in a nearly unanimous vote.
Following the emergency declaration, soldiers were deployed around the Congress in Guatemala City on Monday. All schools across the country suspended classes on Monday as a safety measure.
On Monday, the Interior Ministry held a wake for the deceased police officers. President Arévalo was seen comforting the relatives of the fallen officers, showing his support to the bereaved families.
In response to the situation, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert on Sunday, advising its staff to stay indoors and avoid large gatherings. In October, Congress modified legislation to categorize members of the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs as terrorist organizations, also increasing prison sentences for gang members involved in criminal activities.
National Civil Police Director David Custodio Boteo reported at least ten armed attacks against the police. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda attributed the killings to these “terrorists, in response to the actions the Guatemalan state is taking against them.”
A video published by the interior ministry showed officers arresting the alleged Guatemalan leader of the Barrio 18 gang, identified as Aldo Dupie, also known as “El Lobo.” Both Barrio 18 and its rival gang Mara Salvatrucha are held responsible for a significant portion of the drug trafficking and criminal violence afflicting the Central American country.
Since the middle of 2025, gang members have initiated prison riots demanding less restrictive conditions for their leaders. In October, 20 leaders of the Barrio 18 gang escaped from prison. Only six have been recaptured, with one being shot and killed.
In 2025, Guatemala’s homicide rate stood at 16.1 per 100,000 residents, more than twice the global average. Defense Minister Henry Saenz stated the army will continue to patrol the streets to continue “dismantling” criminal groups.
The death of the 10 officers is a significant blow to the National Civil Police. It has sparked a debate about the safety of officers and the resources available for law enforcement. The declaration of a state of emergency gives the government greater powers to handle the crisis without the usual procedural limitations.
