U.S. prosecutors and Guatemala strengthen cooperation against transnational crime

A delegation of federal prosecutors from nine U.S. districts, including representatives from New York, Florida, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas, visited Guatemala to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime. The high-level meeting included Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo, Attorney General Gabriel García Luna, and Minister of the Interior Marco Antonio Villeda.

The discussions focused on intensifying joint investigations, information exchange, and extradition processes to combat drug trafficking, gang activity, human trafficking, and the financing of criminal organizations. President Arévalo described the meeting as a “historic work meeting” that strengthens international criminal prosecution to protect Guatemalan communities.

U.S. Chargé d'Affaires Jorgan Andrews noted that the two nations recorded 34 extraditions last year and are expected to exceed that number in 2026. The new border strategy, developed through previous meetings in Washington, aims to dismantle foreign terrorist organizations and transnational criminal structures.