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20 Barrio 18 Gang Members Escape Guatemalan Prison

10/13/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Twenty members of the Barrio 18 gang, labeled a "foreign terrorist organization" by the United States, escaped from the Fraijanes II prison in Guatemala, according to prison director Ludin Godinez.
The escape prompted investigations into potential corruption at the facility.
The U.S. embassy condemned the incident and urged the Guatemalan government to recapture the fugitives.
The Barrio 18 gang has been linked to about 200,000 deaths over three decades.

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Story summary

Twenty members of the Barrio 18 gang, labeled a "foreign terrorist organization" by the United States, escaped from the Fraijanes II prison in Guatemala, according to prison director Ludin Godinez.
The escape prompted investigations into potential corruption at the facility.
The U.S. embassy condemned the incident and urged the Guatemalan government to recapture the fugitives.
The Barrio 18 gang has been linked to about 200,000 deaths over three decades.