Starting March 15, Ecuador's president Daniel Noboa announced a new mobility restriction in four provinces, including Guayas, Los Ríos, Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, and El Oro, to combat organized crime through coordinated state efforts. This curfew, which will be enforced from 11 PM to 5 AM, is part of a broader security strategy that involves collaboration with allied nations. Interior Minister John Reimberg emphasized that this measure aims to enhance security in these regions amidst rising concerns about crime rate.

Under this curfew, citizens are advised that those needing to travel can do so by presenting relevant documentation, such as pre-purchased tickets, to prove their need to be on the move during restricted hours. Failure to abide by the curfew could lead to severe penalties ranging from one to three years in prison, as indicated by Reimberg, who also mentioned that they have coordinated with the judiciary to enforce these regulations effectively.

The implementation of this curfew raises important questions about public safety, mobility, and the balance between security measures and civil liberties. It reflects the government’s urgent response to ongoing issues with organized crime and its impact on the daily lives of citizens, particularly affecting those who rely on public transport and air travel during the enforced hours.