Barrio 18

Barrio 18, a transnational criminal gang, is currently the focus of a state of emergency in Guatemala. The gang's activities have escalated recently, making them newsworthy. In mid-January 2026, gang members initiated coordinated prison riots across three facilities, taking 46 workers hostage. These actions were reportedly in response to the potential transfer of a gang leader and demands for improved prison conditions. Following the quelling of these riots, Barrio 18 members retaliated with a wave of attacks that resulted in the deaths of at least ten police officers in Guatemala City and surrounding areas. The Guatemalan president has declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency, granting police broader powers to arrest suspected criminals without judicial orders, highlighting the severity of the gang's impact on national security and public order.