The Ministry of the Interior (Mingob) revealed new details of the penitentiary isolation center to which nine leaders of criminal structures held in Renovación 1, in Escuintla, were transferred. during the “Hierro Total” operation.
Through a video broadcast on social networks, the ministry assured that highly dangerous prisoners will remain isolated and incommunicado and will pay their sentences “under strict compliance with the law.”
In the narration of the audiovisual material it is stated: “here the circle of criminal proceedings closes” and that those who have been convicted of committing criminal acts must face the consequences of their actions and serve sentences for the damage caused to society.
The video adds that the authorities seek to create “conditions of punishment” for those who “have made crime their way of life” and believe that they can prevail over the law and the State.
This is the new isolation center
The Mingob explained that the new penitentiary isolation center has 650 square meters, 13 cells, capacity for 80 prisoners, 12 toilets and 10 showers.
We have isolated and held highly dangerous prisoners incommunicado. They will serve their sentences under strict compliance with the law. 💪⛓️#WeareComplying #TotalIron pic.twitter.com/6pXfWY3MDW
— MinGob (@mingobguate) May 18, 2026
According to authorities, the pavilion was built in recent months under strict security protocols and operational confidentiality to reinforce control within the prison system.
The portfolio indicated that the objective is to prevent criminal structures from continuing to coordinate illicit acts from prison, in addition to breaking command and communication structures between gangs.
“Total Iron” Operation
During the early hours of Saturday, May 16, teams from the Penitentiary System, the National Civil Police and the Guatemalan Army carried out the “Total Iron” operation in Renovación 1, in Escuintla.
Although the Mingob has not officially revealed the exact location of the new isolation pavilion, reports that emerged during the operation indicated that those deprived of liberty would have been transferred to an area set up at the Canada Rehabilitation Farm, located in the same prison complex in Escuintla.
In the images shared by Mingob, several prisoners are seen being transferred under strong security measures. Among them is Aldo Duppie Ochoa Mejía, alias “el Lobo”, identified as the leader of Barrio 18.
Ringleaders linked to Renovation 1
Among the ringleaders who remained held in Renovation 1 were:
From Barrio 18:
- Aldo Duppie Ochoa Mejía
- Wilder Rodríguez Aguilar
- Mayro De Leon Hernandez
- Jarvin Leonel Itzoy Cruz
- Manuel de Jesús Rivas Granados
Linked to the Mara Salvatrucha:
- Angel Gabriel Reyes Marroquín
- Jorge Jair de León Hernández
- Amílcar Galileo Torres Rosales
- Nixon Bantes González
- Ronal Bosbeli Choc German
Background on Renovation 1
Renovation 1 remained under the attention of the authorities in recent months due to riots, damage to facilities and findings of illegal acts within the prison.
The prison was also identified in investigations related to alleged privileges for gang members and the entry of weapons, cell phones, cash and drugs.
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