Honduras: Authorities announce nationwide state of emergency as of Nov. 25

Event

President Xiomara Castro has announced a national state of emergency throughout Honduras as of Nov. 25, in order to combat the activities of criminal organizations; President Castro stated that Congress is expected to formalize the new measures but that they are already being implemented. More details on the timeframe and limitations of the current state of emergency will likely be made clear if and when Congress formalizes the new measures. However, the government is deploying 20,000 more police officers and authorizing them to "suspend constitutional guarantees where warranted", which likely includes prohibiting certain gatherings, asserting tighter control over telecommunications and movement, and allowing for arrests without warrants. The government will monitor the sale of SIM cards for cell phones. Legal defendants will likely have their rights to defense limited and may be held in preventive detention.

Increased security measures are likely in urban centers nationwide, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods where violent crime is a concern. Business and transport disruptions are likely as security forces conduct searches.

Context

President Castro has declared the state of emergency in response to the activity of several large criminal organizations, particularly Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Mara Barrio 18 (18th Street Gang, Calle 18, Barrio 18, Mara 18, La 18) gangs. Authorities claim that the gangs have carried out extensive programs of extortion, particularly against businesses, transport drivers, and NGOs. MS-13 and Barrio 18 both have an extensive presence throughout Central America.

Advice

Heed the instructions of security personnel. Plan accordingly for possible travel and freight shipping delays due to checkpoints and tighter security inspections. Comply with the directives of authorities. Monitor local news sources for more information on localized security measures.