Guatemala Declares State of Emergency After Prison Riot

GUATEMALA CITY

Guatemala has declared a nationwide state of emergency after a wave of coordinated prison riots and retaliatory gang violence left multiple police officers dead, marking one of the most serious security crises since President Bernardo Arévalo took office.

The emergency decree, announced late Sunday, imposes special security measures for 30 days, granting authorities expanded powers to detain suspects, restrict public gatherings, and deploy the military alongside police forces. The decision followed violent uprisings at several prisons and subsequent attacks on law enforcement officers across the capital and surrounding areas.

The unrest began over the weekend when gang-affiliated inmates seized control of three major prisons, including the high-security Renovación I facility and detention centers in Fraijanes and Guatemala City’s Zone 18. Prisoners took dozens of guards hostage in what officials described as a coordinated protest against stricter controls on imprisoned gang leaders.

Security forces launched early-morning operations using armored vehicles and tear gas to retake the facilities. Authorities said more than 40 hostages were freed without serious injuries, and control of the prisons was restored within hours. Several high-ranking gang figures were transferred or placed in isolation following the raids.

Hours later, violence spilled onto the streets. Gunmen believed to be linked to Barrio 18 and MS-13, Guatemala’s most powerful criminal gangs, carried out a series of attacks targeting police patrols. Officials confirmed that at least seven police officers were killed and several others wounded in the assaults, which Interior Ministry officials described as retaliation for the prison crackdown.

President Arévalo condemned the violence, vowing that the government would not negotiate with criminal organizations. In a national address, he said the state of emergency was necessary to “defend the lives of citizens and restore order,” adding that Guatemala would not allow gangs to challenge the authority of the state.

As part of the emergency measures, schools were temporarily closed nationwide, public events were suspended, and additional army units were deployed to support police operations. The government also announced three days of national mourning for the fallen officers. Foreign missions, including the U.S. Embassy, advised their staff to avoid large gatherings and limit travel.

The emergency decree must still be reviewed by Congress, though it takes immediate effect under Guatemala’s constitution. Civil liberties groups have expressed concern about potential abuses, warning that expanded detention powers must be carefully monitored.

Guatemala has long struggled with prison overcrowding and gang control inside detention facilities, where criminal groups often continue to direct extortion and violence. Analysts say the latest riots highlight deep structural problems in the prison system and the growing challenge facing Arévalo’s administration as it seeks to dismantle entrenched criminal networks.

For now, security forces remain on high alert as authorities attempt to prevent further attacks. The government says operations against gangs will continue throughout the emergency period, signaling a tougher stance in a country where organized crime has long exerted influence both behind bars and on the streets.

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