A series of coordinated gangster attacks in Guatemala, which originated with riots in three prisons, has resulted in the death of ten police officers. The escalation of violence led President Bernardo Arévalo to announce a 30-day nationwide state of emergency.
The turmoil began on Saturday, January 17, with inmates taking control of three prisons and taking 43 guards hostage. Their demands were special privileges for gang members and leaders. Security forces attempted to regain control on Sunday, which spurred a series of vengeful attacks on the police.
Security forces stormed the Renovacion I maximum-security prison in Escuintla, located approximately 47 miles south of Guatemala City, using armored vehicles and tear gas. Hostages were also held by gang members in two other facilities: 28 at the Fraijanes II prison to the east of the capital, and nine at the Preventivo prison on the city’s outskirts.
Following the prison operations, police officers were killed in Villanueva, on the outskirts of Guatemala City. An initial report stated eight officers had been killed and 10 wounded in the retaliatory attacks. By late Monday, January 19, officials confirmed that a 10th officer had succumbed to injuries from the attacks.
In response to the violence, President Arévalo declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency on Sunday evening. This measure suspends the right to assembly and authorizes arrest and interrogation without a court order. The declaration was approved almost unanimously by the country’s lawmakers on Monday.
Following the emergency declaration, soldiers were deployed around Congress in Guatemala City on Monday. Schools throughout the country were closed on Monday as a safety measure.
On Monday, a wake was held by the Interior Ministry for the deceased police officers. President Arévalo was photographed comforting the relatives of the victims, showing his support for the bereaved families.
Due to the escalating violence, the U.S. Embassy issued a security alert on Sunday, advising staff to stay indoors and avoid large gatherings. In recent months, Congress has revised legislation to classify members of the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs as terrorists and increased prison terms for gang members involved in criminal activities.
David Custodio Boteo, National Civil Police director, reported at least ten armed attacks against police. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda attributed the killings to “these terrorists, in response to the actions the Guatemalan state is taking against them.”
The interior ministry released a video showing the arrest of the alleged leader of the Barrio 18 gang in Guatemala, Aldo Dupie, also known as “El Lobo.” Barrio 18 and its rival gang Mara Salvatrucha, are considered responsible for much of the drug trafficking and criminal violence that afflicts the country. Both groups have been labeled as terrorist organizations by Washington.
Since mid-2025, gang members have ignited uprisings in prisons, demanding less restrictive conditions for their leaders. In October, 20 leaders of the Barrio 18 gang escaped from prison. To date, only six have been recaptured, while another was shot and killed.
In 2025, Guatemala’s homicide rate was 16.1 per 100,000 residents, over twice the global average. Defense Minister Henry Saenz stated that the army “will remain on the streets” to continue “dismantling” criminal groups.
The tragic loss of ten officers signifies a major blow for the National Civil Police and has sparked conversations about officer safety and available resources. The state of emergency declaration grants the government wider powers to address the situation, bypassing typical procedural limitations.