Guatemala Lifts State of Emergency After Gang Crackdown

Guatemala has officially ended its 30-day state of emergency, transitioning back to normal legal status on Monday, February 16, 2026. The emergency measures were a direct response to a brutal month of violence where gang-led attacks claimed the lives of 10 police officers.

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The Conflict at a Glance

The crisis began in mid-January when the government launched a series of prison raids to dismantle gang command centers. In retaliation, the Barrio 18 and MS-13 gangs launched coordinated strikes against law enforcement.

President Bernardo Arévalo’s administration used the month of expanded police powers to hit back, reporting the following statistics:

• Targeted Arrests: 83 high-level gang leaders and members captured.
• Violence Reduction: A reported 49% drop in homicides during the month.
• Extortion Dip: A 33% decrease in extortion reports compared to the previous year.

What Happens Now?

While the most restrictive measures (like warrant-less arrests) have expired, the government isn’t pulling back entirely. They have implemented a “state of prevention,” which allows for:

1. Continued military and police patrols in “red zones.”
2. Ongoing heightened security at prison facilities.
3. A more surgical approach to gang intervention without suspending constitutional rights.

The Context: Unlike the indefinite “war on gangs” seen in El Salvador, the Arévalo administration appears to be using these emergency powers as a temporary “shock” to the system rather than a long-term governance strategy.