FBI Joins Guatemala to Hunt Escaped Barrio 18 Leaders
Guatemalan officials have enlisted a specialized FBI team to aid in capturing 16 fugitives from the Barrio 18 gang following a prison break that caused a regional security crisis.
Prison Break Details
The breakout occurred at Fraijanes II, a maximum-security prison near Guatemala City. Twenty high-ranking Barrio 18 members escaped, a gang designated as a terrorist organization by both Guatemala and the United States. The incident was reported in mid-October, though the exact escape date remains unknown.
Current Status of Fugitive Roundup
- Four escapees have been recaptured by security forces.
- Twelve remain at large, raising concerns about escalating gang violence.
Government Response
In response, President Bernardo Arévalo dismissed his interior minister and appointed Marco Antonio Villeda.
“We are coordinating closely with our partners to bring these individuals back into custody,” Villeda said, confirming the FBI’s Joint Task Force Vulcan involvement.
This FBI unit, established in 2019 during Donald Trump’s administration, focuses on combating transnational criminal organizations such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13).
International Cooperation
Authorities have also reached out to neighboring countries Mexico and Honduras, suspecting some fugitives may have fled across borders.
Summary
The collaboration between Guatemala and the FBI underscores the urgent effort to recapture dangerous gang leaders after a major prison escape threatens regional security.