In Guayaquil, dozens of citizens gathered outside the Cuartel Modelo to express their support for Mayor Aquiles Alvarez, who was arrested early on Tuesday morning. The crowd held banners and wore shirts with messages such as 'Aquiles, we are with you,' signifying a clear show of solidarity amidst a politically charged atmosphere.

Eddie Arévalo, who traveled from the northwest of the city to the police center, described the arrest as politically motivated. He insisted that throughout Alvarez's tenure, there have been continuous efforts to hinder his work through various blockages within the city. Arévalo's comments reflect a sense of injustice and persecution aimed at Alvarez, positioning the arrest within a broader narrative of political oppression.

Aquiles Alvarez, alongside his brothers Antonio Alvarez, president of Barcelona SC, and Xavier Alvarez, as well as eight others, was detained in what is reported as the 'Goleada case.' This investigation encompasses alleged organized crime related to money laundering and tax fraud. The situation underscores significant political tensions in Ecuador as public sentiment rallies behind the mayor, raising questions about political motivations behind law enforcement actions.