Guatemala ends emergency powers after a monthlong crackdown sparked by 10 police killings

Guatemala lifted its state of emergency on Monday (February 16, 2026), one month after President Bernardo Arévalo sought special powers following the killing of 10 police officers by suspected gang members.

The measure had restricted some constitutional rights, allowing authorities to do things like make arrests without a warrant issued by a judge. That will not be allowed under less restrictive measures scheduled to take effect on Tuesday (February 17, 2026), but Mr. Arévalo has not detailed exactly what those will be.

The new measures would not require congressional approval or renewal.

Mr. Arévalo said on Sunday (February 15, 2026) that 83 gang members had been arrested during the state of emergency and that homicides and reports of extortion had fallen during the period compared with the same stretch a year earlier. He did not provide figures.

The brief state of emergency contrasts with extraordinary powers granted to El Salvador President Nayib Bukele to deal with gang violence that have been renewed monthly by that country’s Congress for nearly four years.

In January, gangs in Guatemala retaliated against police after authorities put down riots in three prisons.