State of emergency declared after death toll rises to nine in gangsters’ attacks on Guatemalan police

The death toll from suspected gangsters’ attacks on Guatemalan police rose to nine Monday (January 19, 2026), as Guatemalans awoke to heavier security and curtailed rights after President Bernardo Arevalo declared a state of emergency.

The violence started Saturday (January 17, 2026) when inmates seized control of three prisons in apparently coordinated riots, taking 43 guards hostage.

The gangs were demanding privileges for their members and leaders, according to authorities. Shortly after police liberated one prison Sunday (January 18, 2026) morning, suspected gang members attacked police across the capital.

On Monday (January 19, 2026), National Civil Police Director David Custodio Boteo said that a ninth police officer died early Monday from his injuries, adding that “there are several wounded who are in critical condition … Some also suffered amputations.” Police honoured the fallen officers in a ceremony Monday (January 19, 2026), where flag-draped coffins sat in the Interior Ministry.

“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 fulfillment of their duty,” Arevalo said.

Outside the Interior Ministry, Jose Antonio Revolorio, 72, father of officer Jose Efraín Revolorio Barrera, 25, said, “I hope that the criminals who did this to my son will one day pay for it, that the law will go after them. And that this doesn’t end here, because my son was an honest man, competent at his work.”

Meanwhile, the government gazette published Monday Arevalo’s declaration of a 30-day state of emergency, saying there were “coordinated actions by self-named maras or gangs against state security forces, including armed attacks against civilian authorities.” Among the rights that the declaration limits are freedom of action, demonstrations and carrying weapons. It also allows police to arrest people without providing a just cause while security forces could also prohibit the movement of vehicles in certain places or subject them to searches.

The state of emergency requires congressional approval and lawmakers were expected to vote Monday. However, it went into effect Sunday. Traffic in the capital appeared lighter than usual on Monday (January 19, 2026).

“This situation is a shame. It affects people psychologically: they don’t want to go out,” said Oscar Lopez, a 68-year-old radio technician who had a doctor’s appointment.

“I agree with the president imposing the state of emergency because it doesn’t stop the violence, but it relaxes people.” Ileana Melgar, 64, said she was afraid of missing her appointment to renew her identification Monday (January 19, 2026).

“But I was afraid to go out, I called my friend to go with me. You don’t know if they will also stop (public) transportation and we can’t get back home.” The US Embassy in Guatemala had instructed US government personnel to shelter in place Sunday (January 18, 2026). That was lifted later in the day, but they were “advised to maintain a high level of caution when travelling.” On Monday (January 19, 2026), the embassy condemned the attacks on police.

“These terrorists, as well as those who cooperate with them or are linked to them, have no place in our hemisphere. The security of the Guatemalan people and the stability of our hemisphere must prevail. We reaffirm our support for Guatemala’s security forces to curb the violence.” In October, the Congress reformed laws to declare members of the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha gangs terrorists.

The changes lengthened prison sentences for gang members who commit crimes. The United States government also declared those gangs foreign terrorist organisations last year.

As a safety precaution, schools were suspended nationwide Monday (January 17, 2026).