Guatemala declared a 30-day state of emergency after coordinated attacks tied to the Barrio 18 gang killed 10 police officers. The unrest began with riots and hostage-taking at three prisons and intensified after security forces retook a facility holding gang leader Aldo "El Lobo" Duppie. The emergency order restricts movement and permits arrests of suspected gang members without a judicial warrant while allowing vehicle searches in designated areas. Authorities say the incidents are part of wider gang unrest that has included multiple prison uprisings since mid-2025.
Guatemala Declares 30-Day State Of Emergency After Coordinated Gang Attacks Kill 10 Police
Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo comforts the relative of one of the police officers killed while retaking control of three prisons during a wake for the officers at the Interior Ministry in Guatemala City, on 19 January, 2026 [Moises Castillo/AP Photo]
Guatemala has been shaken by a wave of coordinated attacks linked to the Barrio 18 gang that left 10 police officers dead and prompted the government to declare a 30-day state of emergency. The violence began inside three prisons and spilled onto the streets of Guatemala City in a series of reprisal assaults after security forces moved to regain control.
What Happened
The unrest started on Saturday when inmates tied to the notorious Barrio 18 gang took dozens of prison guards hostage at three separate facilities. Violence escalated the next day after security forces retook the prison holding gang leader Aldo "El Lobo" Duppie, triggering coordinated attacks on police in and around the capital.
State Of Emergency Measures
President Bernardo Arévalo’s decree, published in the official government gazette, places restrictions on movement and public demonstrations and grants police expanded powers. Under the order, authorities can detain people suspected of gang membership without a judicial warrant and may stop or search vehicles in designated areas as part of the effort to restore order.
Response And Public Reaction
Lawmakers ratified the 30-day emergency measure in a near-unanimous vote after it had already been put into effect. Police held a memorial ceremony at the Interior Ministry to honor the fallen officers amid heightened security across the capital. President Arévalo paid tribute to the families of the slain officers:
“Today it pains me to give each one of the families this flag, symbol of the nation that will not forget the sacrifice and commitment of their police fallen in the fulfilment of their duty.”
Background And Context
Authorities and regional officials link Barrio 18 to drug trafficking across Central America and note longstanding rivalry with Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13). Since mid-2025, the country has seen several prison uprisings by gangs demanding less restrictive detention conditions. In October, 20 Barrio 18 leaders escaped custody; six have been recaptured and another was later shot dead.
Gang leader Aldo "El Lobo" Duppie, who is reportedly married to the niece of opposition figure Sandra Torres, is serving combined sentences totaling roughly 2,000 years.
Note: Authorities have described the incidents as "coordinated actions" against state forces, including armed attacks on civilian authorities. Investigations and security operations are ongoing.
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