President Bernardo Arévalo has emphasized the critical need for reforming Guatemala’s prison system following the recent escape of 20 inmates connected to the Barrio 18 gang, which has raised serious concerns about the nation’s ability to contain gang violence. The president’s announcement comes as the country grapples with the broader implications of the incident, which has highlighted systemic weaknesses in the justice sector.
The plan includes a major investment in prison infrastructure with the assistance of the United States. This collaboration is part of a broader strategy to strengthen institutional capacity and enhance security measures. The proposed high-security facility is expected to address vulnerabilities in existing facilities and provide a more effective means of controlling gang activities.