Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo asked for special powers after 10 police officers were killed by suspected gang members. | Photo credit: AFP
Guatemala lifted its state of emergency on Monday (Feb 16, 2026), a month after President Bernardo Arevalo sought special powers after suspected gang members killed 10 police officers.
The measure limited some constitutional rights, allowing officers to make arrests without a warrant issued by a judge. This is not allowed under the less restrictive measures scheduled to come into effect on Tuesday (February 17, 2026), but Mr. Arévalo does not explain well.
New measures do not require congressional approval or renewal.
Mr. Arévalo said on Sunday (February 15, 2026) that 83 gang members were arrested during the emergency and that reports of murders and robberies had decreased during the period. He did not provide statistics.
The brief state of emergency contrasts with the extraordinary powers granted to El Salvador’s President Nayeb Bukele to deal with gang violence that have been renewed monthly by the country’s Congress for nearly four years.
In January, gangs in Guatemala retaliated against police after authorities quelled riots at three prisons.
Published – February 17, 2026 10:21 am IST
