Guatemala mourns 10 police slain by gangsters amid state of emergency

In Guatemala, a state of emergency has been declared after coordinated gang attacks resulted in the deaths of ten police officers. The violence began with prison riots orchestrated by the Barrio 18 gang in three facilities, escalating to attacks on police in Guatemala City. The gang's actions are reportedly in response to security forces regaining control of a prison holding their leader, Aldo “El Lobo” Duppie, and a demand for privileges. The 30-day state of emergency, approved by lawmakers, restricts freedoms and allows police to make arrests without judicial orders if individuals are suspected gang members. The government aims to curb the gang's activities, which include drug trafficking across Central America.

In Guatemala, the death toll has risen to 10 police officers killed in suspected gang attacks. The violence erupted after security forces moved to regain control of a maximum-security prison following inmate riots on Sunday, January 18, 2026. Gangs also launched attacks against police in the capital, Guatemala City, while holding hostages at other facilities. President Bernardo Arévalo has declared a state of emergency, promising to pursue those responsible. The government honored the fallen officers on Monday, January 19, 2026, as increased security measures and curtailed rights are implemented.

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.

Guatemala declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency after eight police officers were killed in gang-related violence. The violence erupted after gang-affiliated inmates took 46 people hostage in three prisons, demanding the transfer of gang leaders to lower-security facilities. Guatemalan authorities have since regained control of the prisons. The state of emergency, which requires congressional approval, suspends the right of assembly and allows arrests and interrogations without court orders. The US embassy advised personnel to shelter in place, and schools were closed. Authorities have arrested Aldo Dupie, alias "El Lobo," allegedly the leader of the Barrio 18 gang.

Guatemala declared a 30-day state of emergency on January 19, 2026, following deadly prison riots. The unrest involved coordinated gang attacks that resulted in the deaths of at least seven police officers. The violence erupted after authorities restricted gang privileges within the prison system. These restrictions led to hostage situations and subsequent retaliatory attacks targeting law enforcement personnel. The state of emergency is intended to help authorities regain control and address the escalating violence.

Following the deaths of eight police officers and the hostage taking of 46 people at three prisons, Guatemala's President Bernardo Arevalo declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency on Sunday. The Guatemalan government accuses criminal gangs of the violence, which occurred in the capital and surrounding areas. Gang-affiliated inmates took hostages to demand the transfer of incarcerated gang leaders to lower security facilities. Authorities regained control of the prisons on Sunday. According to the Interior Minister, the gang violence is a response to government actions against them. Ten other police officers were wounded and one suspected gang member was killed in the attacks.

Guatemala's President Bernardo Arevalo declared a 30-day state of emergency on January 19, 2026, after gang-related violence erupted in multiple prisons. The unrest involved inmates taking 46 prison guards and staff hostage and resulted in the deaths of at least seven police officers in the capital. The violence was seemingly in retaliation for authorities limiting privileges of gang leaders, including Barrio 18 leader Aldo Duppie. The state of emergency restricts civil liberties, allowing security forces to make arrests without prior court approval, and requires legislative approval. President Arevalo stated that all hostages have been freed.

Guatemala declared a 30-day state of emergency on Sunday in response to escalating gang violence, including prison uprisings and the killing of eight police officers. President Arévalo stated the measure empowers the police and army to act against gangs and organized crime. The unrest included inmates taking prison guards hostage at three prisons, which authorities believe was a coordinated response to the withdrawal of privileges from criminal leaders. Arévalo plans to collaborate with U.S. agencies like the FBI to combat drug gangs, who he says control the nation's prisons and incite violence. Arévalo, elected in 2023, has faced challenges in fulfilling his promises to combat corruption and drug cartels due to resistance from the conservative establishment.

On January 18, 2026, riots erupted at three detention centers in Guatemala, with prisoners taking at least 46 workers hostage. Authorities believe the coordinated actions were instigated by gang members, specifically Barrio 18, seeking improved conditions and protesting the transfer of their leader. The hostages include guards and other prison staff. Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda stated that the government would not negotiate with the rioters or restore privileges to gang leaders. The Renovacion 1 maximum security prison in Escuintla saw a heavy police and military presence as authorities monitored the situation. The inmates claim they are not safe and are demanding to be moved. Guatemala has struggled with gang control and harsh conditions within its prison system.