Escalating violence in Quito prompts teacher protests and police crackdown

The National Union of Educators (UNE) announced that nine teachers have been murdered in Ecuador between January 2025 and 1 July 2026. The latest case is the killing of physical‑education teacher Adriana Sáenz on 1 July 2026 in the La Roldós sector of Quito. Teachers staged a sit‑in outside the Fiscalía demanding justice, chanting “¡Vivos nos queremos! ¡Ni un docente menos!” and urging the government to declare an emergency in education. UNE officials reported threats, extortion and even tracking devices placed on teachers’ vehicles, warning that the climate of intimidation is preventing educators from reporting crimes.

In parallel, the Ecuadorian National Police carried out Operation Apolo 30 on 2‑3 July 2026 in the Los Chillos and Tumbaco districts of Quito. The sweep, aimed at disrupting criminal structures, recovered a stolen vehicle, arrested three suspects (including two adolescents and a foreign national), and seized a knife and a firearm‑like object. A separate incident at a fuel station led to another arrest with a firearm and cash. Overall, the operation resulted in 34 arrests, the seizure of weapons, drug‑related substances, motorcycles and vehicles, and was presented as part of a broader strategy to strengthen public safety.