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Gang violence in Guatemala kills seven police officers after inmates take over prisons
Inmates in three Guatemalan prisons rioted on Saturday, taking 46 guards hostage to protest transfers of gang leaders. On Sunday, authorities retook two prisons while suspected gang members killed seven or eight police officers in retaliatory attacks in and around Guatemala City.
Why It Matters
The coordinated prison uprisings and police killings highlight escalating gang power and challenge the Guatemalan government's security efforts amid rising criminal violence.
Timeline
5 Events
Government response and measures
January 18, 2026
President Bernardo Arévalo ordered police and soldiers into the streets, convened an emergency cabinet meeting, and addressed the nation; Interior Minister Marco Antonio Villeda reported arrests and seizures; schools were suspended Monday.
Authorities retake second prison
Later Sunday, January 18, 2026
National Civil Police retook control of a second prison on the north side of Guatemala City, freeing six guards; one prison remained under inmate control with hostages.
Suspected gang members kill police officers
January 18, 2026
In retaliatory attacks across Guatemala City and surrounding areas, suspected gang members killed seven police officers (some reports state eight) and wounded ten others; one gang member was killed.
Security forces retake Renovacion I prison
Dawn Sunday, January 18, 2026
Police and army raided Renovacion I prison in Escuintla using armored vehicles and tear gas, regaining control after 15 minutes and freeing the held guards unharmed.
Inmates take control of three prisons
January 17, 2026
Inmates in three maximum-security prisons—Renovacion I in Escuintla, Fraijanes II east of Guatemala City, and Preventivo on the city outskirts—launched a coordinated uprising, taking 46 guards hostage to protest the transfer of gang leaders to higher-security facilities.