Gang groups rioted on Saturday in several Guatemalan prisons, where they have been protesting since 2025 over the transfer of their leaders to a maximum-security facility, authorities said. The Barrio 18 gang and its rival, Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) both designated as “terrorist” organizations by the United States and Guatemala are accused of contract killings, extortion, and drug trafficking.
In 2025, authorities moved the main gang bosses to a maximum-security prison where they are kept in isolation. Since then, gang members have staged riots demanding the return of their leaders. In a statement, the Interior Ministry said the “disturbances” are “a direct reaction to firm decisions” to “strip leaders of criminal structures of privileges and refuse to yield to their pressure.”
“Guatemala does not negotiate with terrorists or organized crime,” the statement added, saying police and the army are carrying out operations to “fully restore order.” Guatemala’s firefighters said they dispatched “different units” and ambulances to three prisons because of “disturbances,” though it was not yet known whether there were any deaths or injuries.
The prisons were Renovación I, which holds the gang leaders, and the Preventivo and Frajanes facilities, located about 75 kilometers south of the capital, on the capital’s outskirts, and to the east, respectively. Some media outlets published photos showing a small fire at Renovación I.
During riots last year, which lasted several days in different prisons, gang members held guards hostage. One guard was killed by gunfire. In October, Guatemalan authorities said 20 Barrio 18 gang leaders escaped from a prison, triggering the removal of top security officials and a national crisis.
Police have recaptured only six of the escapees, while another was shot dead. In November, an FBI team created during President Donald Trump’s first term (2017–2021) arrived in Guatemala to dismantle transnational criminal organizations such as MS-13 and Barrio 18.
