Guatemala Government Claims State of Siege Reduced Serious Crimes, Strengthened Prison Control
The Guatemalan government recently reported significant improvements in security and prison control due to the state of siege measures implemented over the past weeks. Official data revealed a 5% decrease in homicides and a remarkable 32% reduction in extortion compared to the same period in 2025.
Impact of the State of Siege on Crime Rates
The measures fall under a broader strategy aimed at dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety. During the initial three weeks, security forces intensified operations targeting prisons and illegal groups.
- Homicides: Decreased by 5% compared to the previous year.
- Extortions: Dropped by 32% since the same timeframe in 2025.
Key Operations and Strategies
President Bernardo Arévalo highlighted a notable operation, dubbed “Renovación 1,” that successfully curtailed a plan by inmates to regain lost privileges. The leader of the Barrio 18 gang remains isolated, ensuring limited access to unsanctioned benefits as prison reconstruction progresses.
Enhanced security measures include:
- Reinforced cells and electric fencing to create secure confinement zones.
- Blocking communications between gang leaders and their associates on the streets.
President Arévalo emphasized the need to dismantle criminal structures, stating that the citizens demand stronger control, which the government aims to address with concrete actions.
Police and Military Collaborations
Interior Minister Marco Villeda stressed the importance of institutional cooperation and the joint efforts with the United States to promote “democratic security.” He affirmed that no negotiations with criminals would take place. The government remains committed to exercising authority through tangible actions.
- Operations conducted: 3,548 police operations performed since the beginning of the state of siege.
- Arrests: 2,998 individuals apprehended, with over 2,000 during live operations.
- Notable arrests: Six individuals requested for extradition, 78 gang members, and 100 extortionists.
Prison Population Census
For the first time in Guatemala’s history, authorities have undertaken a nationwide census covering 100% of the imprisoned population. This initiative, completed within three months, provided detailed records of each inmate, verifying identities and crimes.
The census identified:
- Total inmates: 23,837 individuals.
- Active terrorists: 2,545 affiliated with Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS).
This systematic approach has established a reliable database, offering clarity about the inmate population and enhancing the government’s ability to manage prison conditions effectively.
As the fight against organized crime continues, the administration remains poised to undertake further actions to ensure public safety and curtail the influence of criminal enterprises.
