Guatemala has entered a heightened security state after President Bernardo Arévalo declared a 30-day state of siege on Sunday, following a weekend of violence linked to the Barrio 18 gang that left at least seven police officers dead and another 10 injured.

The crisis began early Saturday when rioting inmates took 46 prison guards hostage across three men’s prisons. The government blamed Barrio 18 for coordinating the unrest, alleging the gang was pressuring authorities for greater privileges for its members behind bars.

After security forces regained control of the prisons, violence quickly spread into the streets. Officials say gang-led attacks targeted police in multiple areas in and around Guatemala City, in what Arévalo described as retaliation. The unrest followed the recapture of Barrio 18 leader Aldo Duppie, known as “El Lobo,” who was taken back into custody after his prison was overtaken.

Under Guatemalan law, a state of siege can temporarily limit civil liberties and expand the powers of security forces in response to threats to public order. Arévalo said the measure allows the full force of the state — including the police and the army — to confront gang activity and restore stability. He also declared three days of national mourning, while urging citizens not to panic and insisting daily life should continue as normally as possible.

Authorities issued precautionary alerts, including advice for residents to stay home, while the U.S. Embassy in Guatemala released a security warning for U.S. citizens. Guatemala’s education minister also canceled school classes nationwide for Monday as a preventive step.

The situation highlights growing tensions around gang power in the country. In October 2025, Guatemala’s Congress officially declared Barrio 18 a terrorist organization, following a similar move by the U.S. government.