On December 8, 2024, four children from the impoverished neighborhood of La Malvinas in Guayaquil, Ecuador, were taken by military personnel after they had been playing football and buying bread. Following their disappearance, the children's parents reported the incident to the prosecutors, who advised against publicizing the event, despite the fact that friends of the children testified about the military's involvement. No action was taken by the National Police to investigate their kidnapping. On December 20, a habeas corpus petition was filed to locate the children, indicating the urgency and seriousness of the situation.

The next day, the armed forces admitted their personnel's involvement in the children's detention when the incident was captured on municipal security cameras, leading to public outrage. Furthermore, the media and social networks unleashed a wave of hatred, as they began to blame the children for a robbery that was never substantiated or reported. This situation not only reflects the failure of law enforcement agencies to protect vulnerable communities but also raises questions about accountability and the role of societal narratives in perpetuating violence against marginalized groups.

In a significant ruling, a judge declared the state responsible for the incident, spotlighting ongoing systemic issues within Ecuador's justice system and military conduct. This case serves as a grim reminder of the challenges facing marginalized groups in Ecuador and urges a call for justice and accountability from the government. The implications of such cases resonate deeply within the community, contributing to a growing demand for social reform and better protection of children's rights.