US EditionGuatemala passes anti-gang law, declares gangs terrorist groups
- On Tuesday, Guatemala passed a new anti-gang law designating Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha as terrorist groups, increasing prison sentences and ordering a new prison for gang members.
- Earlier this month, a prison escape of 20 Barrio 18 members accelerated stalled legislation, with President Bernardo Arévalo calling it a coordinated plot linked to former Interior Minister Francisco Jiménez's prison reforms.
- Last week, President Bernardo Arévalo accepted the resignations of three top security officials after a security failure, and police said the fourth escaped gang member was recaptured Tuesday.
- Regional leaders have noticed El Salvador government suspending some fundamental rights under a more than three-year state of emergency and imprisoning more than 80,000 people, increasing calls from constituents for tougher gang measures.
- In September, the Trump administration designated Barrio 18 as a foreign terrorist organization and had already designated Mara Salvatrucha earlier; this was reported on October 22, 2025.
23 Articles
23 Articles
El Salvador’s Shadow, Washington’s Push: Guatemala Turns Terror Tools on Gangs
Guatemala has redrawn the rules of its long fight with gangs. Congress approved Decree 11-2025, labeling Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and 18th Street (Barrio 18) as terrorist organizations and stiffening sentences for extortion and recruitment. The decree also routes major cases to high-impact courts, allows judges to freeze assets, and orders a new maximum-security prison to […]
President Arévalo salutes the approval of the regulations. He dismisses replicating the Salvadoran model and affirms that his Government prioritizes respect for the H.D.H. and due process.
Guatemalan Congress Approves Anti-Gang Law - teleSUR English
The new norm comes amid national security crisis, after a prison break from Fraijanes II prison. On Tuesday, the Guatemalan Congress approved the Anti-Gang Law, which declares gang members terrorists and imposes penalties for crimes linked to criminal organizations, strengthening the state’s legal tools to combat organized crime. RELATED: Prison Escape Prompts Cabinet Changes in Guatemala President Bernardo Arevalo celebrated the approval of Dec…
The Guatemalan Parliament has passed a law against criminal gangs.
Guatemala's new anti-gang law designates gangs as terrorist groups, enhancing penalties and resources to combat organized crime.
Reforma
eldiariodechihuahua.mxThe Congress of Guatemala declares the gangs as 'terrorist organizations' in the midst of a crisis due to the escape of gang members.
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