Interior Minister John Reimberg announced that more than 500 people have been arrested during curfews in four provinces under a state of emergency as part of operations designed to dismantle criminal organizations and eliminate infrastructure used for illegal activities. The minister made these remarks outside the facilities of the Intervention and Rescue Group (GIR) after the graduation ceremony for the 13th cohort of technical police operatives. A tactical security presence remained in the area as authorities and journalists awaited the official report.

According to the Ministry of the Interior, 513 arrests have been made from March 16 to March 19 in the provinces of Guayas, El Oro, Los Ríos, and Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas. During this period, Minister Reimberg emphasized the need for these interventions to maintain public safety and control crime levels in the affected areas. He also reaffirmed that no permits for garbage collection services will be issued during the curfew hours, underscoring the seriousness of the restrictions in place.

These aggressive law enforcement measures reflect Ecuador's ongoing struggle with crime and violence, particularly in the wake of increasing criminal activity and gang violence. The operations aim to send a strong message to criminal organizations and demonstrate the government's commitment to restoring order and security within the affected provinces. The implications of these arrests may contribute to a perceived increase in police presence and authority in areas significantly impacted by crime, engaging public support for further actions against criminal activities in the region.