Official figures from the National Police of Ecuador indicate a significant drop in violent deaths in Guayaquil after the arrest of Mayor Aquiles Alvarez on February 10. President Daniel Noboa announced that the reduction in homicides during the period from February 10 to February 26 is marked at 38%. This period shows a clear contrast in the violence rates, with intentional homicides decreasing significantly from 154 in 2025 to 96 in 2026—a decline of 58 deaths. In the broader Zone 8 area, which includes Guayaquil and its surroundings, the reduction was even more dramatic, with cases dropping from 214 to 121, representing a decrease of 43%.

The implications of these statistics are notable as President Noboa emphasized the positive impacts following the arrest of Alvarez, referring to him as a "criminal mayor" whose capture has led to tangible improvements in security measures. He noted that Guayaquil has seen over a 30% improvement in general safety since the arrest, and that the Metropolitan District of Guayaquil experienced over a 40% enhancement in security. Furthermore, Noboa highlighted that there were national reductions in homicide rates as well, with a 13% decrease reported for the month of February alone.

This incident provides crucial insight into the ongoing struggle with crime in Ecuador, especially in urban centers like Guayaquil. The drastic decline in violent crime following the arrest may suggest a link between political accountability and public safety, underscoring the potential effects of judicial actions on crime rates in the region. The administration's focus on security and crime reduction will likely continue to be a central topic of discussion as the country battles its pervasive violence issues.