Gangs have resorted less to public displays of violence during the state of exception, but their presence in urban areas has not been dented, while organized crime groups have expanded their activities in rural areas.
An operation against the CV gang killed at least 121 people in Rio de Janeiro, gangs expanded across multiple areas in Artibonite, Haiti, and US strikes on vessels in the Pacific fueled diplomatic tensions.
Brazilians protested amid Bolsonaro’s sentencing, Argentines protested Milei’s policies and corruption, and the Viv Ansanm alliance expanded its operations in Haiti.
A look at states of emergency in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago shows that these measures are likely ineffective at curbing gang violence in the long term.
Watch the recorded webinar for a deep dive on the new data with Senior Methodology Officer, Rose Davies, the findings of our analysis with Tiziano Breda, expert insights from the Director of the Ecuadorian Observatory of Organized Crime, Renato Rivera, and moderated by ACLED Senior Analyst for Latin America & the Caribbean, Sandra Pellegrini.
In May 2025, inter- and intra-gang disputes drove an uptick in violence in the Guatemala department, violence targeting politicians intensifies in Veracruz state and Mexico City, Mexico, and gang violence in Haiti declines in frequency but increases in lethality.
Ecuador struggles with gang violence and political challenges amid efforts to control and combat illicit activities.
Watch the recorded webinar examining how the fallout of the Sinaloa Cartel dispute has set off a broader realignment of criminal groups in Mexico and opened up opportunities for new conflicts in contested territories.
In April 2025, violence escalated in Colombia as the Gulf Clan launched attacks against security forces, Noboa won re-election in Ecuador amid rising violence, and police intensified anti-gang actions in Jamaica.
The rift in the Sinaloa Cartel has resulted in a realignment of criminal groups and openings for new conflicts in contested territories that will affect Mexico's criminal dynamics.
Overview of protests and violence trends across countries in Latin America in March 2025.
Reports discuss protests in Argentina and crime-related violence reports in Colombia, Ecuador, Haiti, Honduras, and Mexico.
An analysis of how armed groups have impacted civilians and the security landscape in President Gustav Petro's first year in office.
Ecuador sees a rise in criminal violence impacting the presidential election, with attacks on political figures increasing.