The deputy co-director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Andrew Bailey, visited Guatemala to strengthen bilateral security cooperation with the aim of combating drug trafficking networks, transnational criminal organizations and gangs operating in both countries.
The United States Embassy in Guatemala reported that Bailey made an official visit to the country from July 27 to 28 to strengthen security cooperation between both governments.
According to the diplomatic mission, the visit responds to politics America First promoted by US President Donald Trump, which seeks to confront the threats of transnational crime at its origin to protect US territory.
During his stay, Bailey held meetings with President Bernardo Arévalo; the Minister of the Interior, Marco Antonio Villeda; the attorney general, Gabriel García Luna, and the general director of the National Civil Police (PNC), David Custodio Boteo.
According to the Embassy, the meetings focused on expanding cooperation to combat drug trafficking networks, dismantle transnational criminal organizations and confront the activity of the Barrio 18 and Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gangs, identified by US authorities as threats to the security of both countries.
The diplomatic representation affirmed that the visit reflects the interest of the United States in strengthening joint work with Guatemala to combat these criminal structures before they extend their operations into United States territory.
At the conclusion of the work agenda, Bailey highlighted the importance of cooperation between both governments.
“Guatemala is a valued and respected democratic ally, and our bilateral cooperation continues to grow, with a focus on our shared interests, including security. My presence here reflects the United States’ recognition of Guatemala’s contributions in the fight against cartels and transnational crime. We will continue to work together to pursue violent criminals and we remain steadfast in our mission to protect the American people and defend the territory,” he said.
The Embassy added that both countries will continue to strengthen operational cooperation to confront transnational criminal organizations and promote security in the Western Hemisphere.
In its official account on the social network X, the diplomatic mission indicated that the visit is part of the security strategy promoted by Washington.
“The co-deputy director of the FBI, Andrew Bailey, visited Guatemala to strengthen our bilateral strategic security alliance. Under the vision of President Trump and the America First policy, protecting the territory of the United States and combating transnational criminal networks before they reach our borders remain our top priorities,” he published.
For his part, President Bernardo Arévalo described the meeting as a step to strengthen bilateral cooperation in matters of security and justice.
“Guatemala is a serious, reliable partner committed to security and justice. It was a pleasure to receive Mr. Andrew Bailey, co-deputy director of the FBI, on a productive visit to Guatemala. Cooperation and collaboration are strengthened to together face the threats of transnational crime and continue building institutions at the service of our people,” the president wrote on his social networks.
Guatemala is a serious, reliable partner committed to security and justice.
It was a pleasure to receive Mr. Andrew Bailey, co-deputy director of the FBI on a productive visit to Guatemala.Cooperation and collaboration are strengthened to face threats together… pic.twitter.com/GbgmLDVMny
— Bernardo Arévalo (@BArevalodeLeon) July 29, 2026
The deputy co-director of @FBIAndrew Bailey, visited Guatemala to strengthen our bilateral strategic alliance in terms of security. Under the vision of @POTUS Trump and politics #AmericaFirstprotect the territory of the United States and combat criminal networks… pic.twitter.com/f4ipaY3aqI
— US Embassy Guatemala (@usembassyguate) July 29, 2026
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