State of Siege Following Attacks on Police in Guatemala
On January 18, 2026, President Bernardo Arévalo declared a 30-day state of siege following coordinated attacks in Guatemala City in which gang members shot multiple officers from the Guatemalan National Civil Police. The attacks left ten officers dead and seven others injured.
The violence occurred shortly after authorities suppressed coordinated prison riots earlier that same day. The unrest reportedly began as protests by imprisoned gang members over the transfer of gang leaders and the removal of certain privileges inside detention facilities. During the riots, inmates took prison staff hostage before security forces intervened to secure their release.
Following the intervention, jailed gang leaders allegedly ordered retaliatory attacks against police officers outside the prisons.
The emergency measure, formally designated a state of siege, was subsequently approved by the Congress of the Republic of Guatemala. Under this framework, certain constitutional guarantees may be temporarily suspended, including protections requiring warrants for arrests. The measure authorizes security forces, including the military, to conduct arrests and security operations with expanded powers.
Human rights organizations have warned that such suspensions of fundamental rights may pose risks to the broader population, particularly for vulnerable groups such as social leaders and Indigenous authorities.
Transition to a State of Prevention
As the 30-day state of siege approached its conclusion, President Arévalo announced a shift in strategy.
On February 15, 2026, one day before the measure was set to expire, the president declared that the country would transition to a “state of prevention” beginning on February 17. This new measure would remain in force nationwide for thirty days and was intended to continue efforts to curb gang activity.
Under a state of prevention, authorities may limit or dissolve public gatherings and demonstrations, particularly if participants are armed. Security forces may also restrict vehicle circulation and conduct searches of individuals and vehicles. Unlike a state of siege, however, the measure does not permit arrests without a warrant.
Human Rights Concerns and International Monitoring
In light of the above listed developments, PBI has expressed serious concern about the potential impact of the measure on the broader population. While the state of prevention does not allow warrantless arrests by national authorities, concerns still exist regarding the unlawful limiting of public gatherings and demonstrations.
While the government has framed the emergency decree as a response to coordinated gang violence, PBI warns that states of exception in Guatemala have historically carried risks beyond their stated security objectives. In particular, the organization highlights the vulnerability of social leaders, Indigenous authorities, and other historically marginalized groups, who in past emergencies have faced criminalization, intimidation, or disproportionate targeting by security forces.
Given these risks, PBI calls on members of the international community to remain vigilant and to closely monitor the implementation of the emergency measures. Diplomatic missions, international organizations, and human rights observers are encouraged to follow developments carefully and to speak out where necessary should violations of fundamental rights occur.
PBI also urges the administration of President Arévalo to ensure that the state of prevention is implemented in full compliance with Guatemala’s constitutional guarantees and international human rights obligations. Emergency measures, the organization stresses, must remain exceptional, proportionate, and strictly limited in scope.
Finally, PBI underscores the importance of safeguarding the safety and physical integrity of all persons deprived of liberty. This includes not only individuals detained in relation to gang activity but also political detainees and others who may face heightened risks in the context of prison unrest and violence. Ensuring adequate protection for detainees is an essential component of the government’s obligations under both national and international law.
For a more comprehensive overview of the latest updates concerning PBI’s work in Guatemala, please access Bulletin no. 54 at the following link: https://pbi-guatemala.org/sites/default/files/2026-02/B54_ing.pdf