By Micah Jonah
January 19, 2026
Guatemala’s President, Bernardo Arevalo declared a 30-day state of emergency after violent prison riots over the weekend, which left at least seven police officers dead, dozens of prison staff held hostage across three facilities in and around the capital.
The unrest erupted after prison authorities sought to restrict privileges for gang leaders, including Aldo Duppie, the imprisoned head of the notorious Barrio 18 gang, also known as “El Lobo.” Police and military forces swiftly intervened, regaining control of the prisons, rescuing all hostages.
President Arevalo said in a nationwide address that the attacks were intended to intimidate security forces and the public but vowed that the government would not relent in its fight against gang-related terror. He also declared three days of national mourning following the fatalities.
The emergency order, which allows authorities to detain, question individuals without prior court approval, took immediate effect, though it still requires approval by Guatemala’s legislature. Defense Minister, Henry Saenz confirmed that troops would remain deployed in the streets to sustain operations against gang members.
The violence follows months of tension with organized criminal groups. Both Barrio 18 and its rival Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) were classified as “foreign terrorist organizations” by the United States in September 2025, a designation later backed by Guatemala’s Congress.
The prison riot at the maximum-security facility housing, El Lobo was broken up by an early-morning raid on Sunday, followed by operations at two other prisons. Security forces apprehended the gang leader, who was seen in custody wearing a blood-stained shirt, as reinforcements restored order.
Interior Minister Marco, Antonio Villeda linked the subsequent killings of police officers to gang reprisals, highlighting the ongoing threat posed by criminal networks in the country. The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala City lifted a “shelter-in-place” advisory over the weekend, citing coordinated attacks on police across multiple districts.
Guatemala faces a significant challenge in curbing gang violence, with authorities emphasizing that continued military and police presence, combined with intelligence-driven operations, will be critical towards restoring long-term security.
