Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo lifted the state of emergency on Monday, February 16, 2026. Authorities had imposed the measure nationwide on January 19, 2026, after coordinated attacks by the Barrio 18 gang killed 10 or 11 police officers and triggered prison riots. The emergency allowed expanded powers for arrests and other actions without standard judicial oversight.
The violence escalated in mid-January 2026. Barrio 18 inmates seized control of several prisons, took hostages including guards, and demanded privileges. Security forces regained control of the facilities without casualties among hostages. Subsequently, the gang carried out retaliatory street attacks that targeted police. Guatemala and the United States had previously designated Barrio 18 as a terrorist organization.
During the 30-day period, authorities arrested 83 gang members. President Bernardo Arévalo reported on February 15, 2026, that homicides and extortion reports decreased compared to the same period in the previous year. He stated that the measure successfully controlled gang activity and helped restore order.
President Bernardo Arévalo announced on Sunday, February 15, 2026, that a less restrictive “state of prevention” took effect on Tuesday, February 17, 2026. This new measure focused on continued operations without requiring congressional renewal or approval. Police and soldiers deployed in Guatemala City and surrounding municipalities to maintain pressure on organized crime.
President Bernardo Arévalo emphasized continued work to improve public safety. He declared that the government aimed to allow citizens greater peace in streets and neighborhoods. The transition reflected a shift from broad emergency powers to targeted security deployments while preserving progress against gangs.
