Death Toll Rises in Guatemalan Gang Riots

Gang riots in three Guatemalan prisons over the weekend of January 19, 2026, resulted in the deaths of nine police officers. The violence, which included hostage taking, prompted President Bernardo Arévalo to declare a 30-day state of emergency, granting expanded powers to the police and military. The government attributes the unrest to a coordinated response by criminal organizations after authorities revoked prison privileges. Arévalo stated the violence was an attempt to instill terror and undermine his efforts to combat corruption as he faces major decisions this year, including choosing a new attorney general. The riots raise concerns about Guatemala's stability and Arévalo's ability to address organized crime.