The Government of Guatemala declared a state of siege in Zacapa and Izabal for 30 days on this November 14, 2026, with the argument of strengthening security, protecting the population, and guaranteeing public order in both departments.
The measure is the second decree of this kind that Arévalo has issued during the year. Guatemalan law provides for its application in cases of terrorist, seditious, or rebellious activities, as well as murders, kidnappings, and armed attacks that may be classified as civil war.
Restrictions on movement, gatherings, and weapons possession
The state of siege limits the full force of the rights established in articles five, six, 26, 33, and 38 of the Constitution. The restrictions affect freedom of action, the conditions for legal detention, freedom of movement, the right of assembly and demonstration, and the regulation of the possession and carrying of weapons.
The authorities may limit or prevent outdoor gatherings, public demonstrations, shows, and private meetings. They will also have the power to forcibly dissolve groups or gatherings that lack authorization, that carry weapons or violent items, or in which weapons are used and acts of violence occur.
The provision also enables the prohibition of the circulation or parking of vehicles in certain areas, places, or at certain times. Vehicles may be subjected to searches or...
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The Government of Guatemala decreed a state of siege in Zacapa and Izabal for 30 days to safeguard public order. (Guatemalan Army) The Government of Guatemala decreed this November 14, 2026 a state of siege in Zacapa and Izabal for 30 days, with the argument of strengthening security, protecting the population, and guaranteeing public order in both departments. The measure is the second decree of this kind that Arévalo has issued during the year. Guatemalan legislation provides for its application in cases of terrorist, seditious, or rebellious activities, as well as murders, kidnappings, and armed attacks that may be classified as civil war. The state of siege limits the full force of the rights established in articles five, six, 26, 33, and 38 of the Constitution. The restrictions affect freedom of action, the conditions for legal detention, freedom of movement, the right of assembly and demonstration, and the regulation of the possession and carrying of weapons. The authorities may limit or prevent outdoor gatherings, public demonstrations, shows, and private meetings. They will also have the power to forcibly dissolve groups or gatherings that lack authorization, that carry weapons or violent elements, or in which weapons are used and acts of violence occur. The Government of Guatemala reported that the measure took effect this Saturday with the aim of strengthening security, protecting the population, and guaranteeing public order in both departments. (Courtesy: Government of Guatemala) The provision also enables the prohibition of the circulation or parking of vehicles in certain zones, places, or at certain times. Vehicles may be subjected to searches or prevented from leaving specific towns. The rule allows requiring services or assistance from private individuals. The security forces may also repel or repress actions considered contrary to the restoration of normality. The authorities may order the detention or confinement of persons suspected of disturbing public order without the need for a judicial order. The legislation provides that, during the state of siege, the armed forces receive extraordinary powers to intervene in and dissolve organizations, including those lacking legal personality. The president assumes national command as Commander General of the Army and may delegate the direct execution of the measures to the Minister of National Defense. The regulation also authorizes the use of preventive, defensive, or offensive means to restore normality when the legal order is considered threatened. A police vehicle with its doors open remains parked on a dirt road in front of several homes during official proceedings. (Social Media) The officials in charge of enforcing the measure may search homes or other enclosed spaces without an order from a judge or the owner's permission. That power will apply if there are indications that a person subject to an arrest or detention warrant is there, or if the presence of weapons, instruments, or effects linked to the crime under investigation is presumed. The authority conducting the search must present a written order from the official who ordered the measure. The full text of the decree will be published in the Diario de Centroamérica. The security institutions will coordinate actions to protect the population and guarantee the tranquility of communities, in accordance with the law and with respect for human rights.