Honduras: Authorities extend state of emergency until at least early October /update 4

Event

Authorities in Honduras have extended the country's existing state of emergency (SoE) until at least early October; the SoE initially went into force in late November 2022 for the purpose of combatting organized crime.

Additionally, as part of the six-month extension, the government will deploy an unspecified number of military troops to seven of the country's departments - specifically, Colon, Olancho, El Paraiso, Gracias a Dios, Atlantida, Yoro, and Copan.

The state of emergency allows authorities to partially suspend constitutional rights in affected areas, including freedom of association, freedom of movement, and the usual legal restrictions on searches and arrests; police may also have the power to make arrests without warrants and hold suspects in preventive detention. Authorities may also tighten control over telecommunications, including government monitoring of the sale of SIM cards for cell phones. The measures will almost certainly focus on areas where the most gang-related activity occurs.

Increased security is likely in lower-income neighborhoods under the state of emergency where violent crime is a concern. Business and transport disruptions are likely as security forces conduct searches.

Context

President Xiomara Castro declared the state of emergency in response to the activity of several large criminal organizations, particularly the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 (18th Street Gang, Calle 18, Mara 18, La 18) gangs. Authorities claim that the gangs have carried out extensive campaigns of extortion against businesses, transport drivers, and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), employing violence against entities that do not pay protection money. MS-13 and Barrio 18 both have an extensive presence throughout Central America. Reports indicate that gang violence is highest in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, where the state of emergency was initially focused.

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.