U.S. Embassy Issues Security Alert as Gangs Attack Police in Guatemala City

The U.S. Embassy in Guatemala has issued a new security alert advising Americans to exercise "increased caution" after coordinated, armed attacks on police across multiple zones of Guatemala City following deadly prison riots. The alert, released Sunday, lifts a prior shelter-in-place order for embassy staff but warns that conditions remain tense and urges U.S. citizens to avoid crowds and demonstrations, keep a low profile, review personal security plans and minimize unnecessary movements. The violence stems from gang revolts at three prisons in which inmates from Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) seized control, took 43 guards hostage and killed 10 police officers, prompting President Bernardo Arévalo to issue an emergency declaration. Both gangs are designated terrorist organizations by Guatemala and the United States, heightening concern about regional security and spillover crime. The State Department already rates Guatemala at Level 3: Reconsider Travel, and Guatemalan tourism data show more than 2.9 million international visitors from January through November 2025, underscoring the potential exposure of U.S. travelers as peak travel seasons approach.