Guatemala has entered a 30-day nationwide state of emergency following a dramatic escalation in violence linked to organized crime gangs, after coordinated prison riots and retaliatory attacks resulted in the deaths of at least 10 police officers. The emergency declaration underscores the depth of Guatemala’s security crisis and the growing challenge posed by powerful criminal organizations that wield influence both inside and outside the country’s penitentiary system.

President Bernardo Arévalo announced the extraordinary measure on January 18, one day after authorities regained control of three maximum-security prisons where inmates had staged simultaneous riots, seized hostages, and openly challenged the state. The government framed the decision as necessary to restore public order, protect security forces, and prevent further gang retaliation against civilians and institutions.

The violence began on January 17, when coordinated riots erupted in three prisons in and around Guatemala City. Inmates overpowered guards, barricaded sections of the facilities, and took dozens of prison staff hostage. The scale and synchronization of the uprisings immediately raised alarm within the government, pointing to careful planning by gang leadership rather than spontaneous unrest.

Among the facilities affected was Renovación I, a maximum-security prison that houses some of Guatemala’s most dangerous criminals. Most notably, it holds Aldo........

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