[REVISION HISTORY]

Honduran security reforms and anti-crime measures

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What changed

2026-11-04 03:30 UTC → 2026-11-04 21:00 UTC · added ~~removed~~

Honduran authorities have intensified efforts against rising criminality through legislative and institutional reforms. The National Defense and Security Council (CNDS) has designated Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), Barrio 18, and the Cártel del Diablo as terrorist organizations. To support these measures, the government is establishing the National Against Crime Agency (ANC). The National Congress has approved the ‘Special Law for the Strengthening of the Penal and Procedural Framework in the Combat against Terrorist Associations, Maras, and Gangs’, which classifies gang members and organized crime structures as terrorist associations. Key provisions include increasing prison sentences for gang members to between 30 and 40 years, while leaders and financiers face up to life imprisonment. The law also mandates life sentences for the assassination of security officials and extends the deadline for presenting fiscal requirements for suspects from 24 to 48 hours. Under Legislative Decree 208-2026, a new maximum security regime includes 23.5 hours of daily cell confinement. Following ~~these reforms, National Police Director Rigoberto Oseguera Mass emphasized~~ the necessity of regaining territorial control and strengthening state presence. Security Minister Gerson Velásquez stated that the new provisions represent a milestone in criminal prosecution, targeting those associated with terrorist structures. Congress President Tomás Zambrano described the developments as a historic step. Following the official publication of these reforms in the Diario Oficial La Gaceta, authorities have met to coordinate actions. Congress President Tomás Zambrano noted that Legislative Decree 258-2026 will allow security forces, intelligence agencies, and the judiciary to work more effectively. He ~~also~~ has pledged to strengthen the penitentiary system and implement firmer controls in prisons following recent inmate ~~movements between facilities.~~ movements. To manage the anticipated surge in detainees, attorney Germán Licona has proposed expanding prison infrastructure, specifically calling for the completion of the La Acequía penitentiary ~~center.~~ center and the advancement of a new facility recently approved by Congress. Licona cited studies estimating that between 40,000 and 60,000 individuals in Honduras are associated with criminal structures. Meanwhile, the National Penitentiary Institute (INP) has begun reorganizing high-risk inmates, including the transfer of seven Barrio 18 members to a maximum security module in Támara.

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