Archive · 19 Jan 2026
Guatemala declares emergency after prison riots
In Guatemala, there was a big problem in the prisons.
The prisoners took control of three prisons and held guards hostage.
The government sent police to take back the prisons.
After that, some gang members outside the prisons killed seven police officers.
The president, Bernardo Arévalo, said this was because the gangs were mad that the government was trying to stop their bad activities.
He declared a 30-day emergency to help the police and military fight the gangs and keep people safe.
Schools were closed the next day to keep students and teachers safe.
The president said the government won't give in to the gangs' demands.
The death toll from the attacks rose to nine police officers, with more officers wounded.
The gangs are retaliating against the government's crackdown on organized crime.
Guatemala President Bernardo Arévalo declared a 30-day state of siege after gang members killed seven police officers in retaliation for authorities retaking control of three maximum-security prisons.
Hundreds of anti-riot police stormed the Renovación prison in Escuintla, freeing nine hostage guards and retaking control of the facility that houses gang leaders.
Retaliatory attacks by gangs in and around Guatemala City resulted in the deaths of nine police officers and injuries to ten others, with one gang member also killed.
Authorities retook control of the other two prisons in the capital, freeing a total of 43 guards, and arrested seven gang members in response to the violence.
The government's intensified crackdown on organized crime, particularly targeting the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs, is seen as the catalyst for the coordinated prison riots and attacks.
- Who
- Guatemalan government, gang members, police officers
- What
- Prison riots, retaliatory attacks, declaration of a 30-day state of siege
- When
- January 18-19, 2026
- Where
- Guatemala, primarily in Escuintla and Guatemala City
- Why
- To regain control of prisons, respond to gang violence, and ensure public safety
Government
Gangs
Crackdown on Gangs
Government
The government is intensifying its crackdown on organized crime, targeting the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs, which it sees as a necessary measure to ensure public safety.
Gangs
The gangs view the government's crackdown as an aggressive act and have retaliated with violence, including prison riots and attacks on police officers.
- Date of Emergency Declaration
- January 18, 2026
- Duration of Emergency
- 30 days
- Number of Police Officers Killed
- 9
- Number of Police Officers Wounded
- 10
- Number of Gang Members Arrested
- 7
- Number of Guards Freed
- 43
- Prisons Involved
- Renovación (Escuintla), two in Guatemala City
- Gangs Involved
- Barrio 18, Mara Salvatrucha
- Gang Leader Involved
- Aldo “El Lobo” Duppie
