On 18 October 2021, President Guillermo Lasso declared a state of emergency until 17 December due to a rise in drug-related crimes. The measure authorizes the government to mobilize 3,600 Ecuadorian soldiers and police officers in prisons and streets nationwide. Additionally, authorities will have the power to restrict freedom of movement and assembly if necessary. Between January and October 2021, authorities registered approximately 1,900 homicides, compared to 1,400 during the same period in 2020. Enactment of the emergency measure comes in the aftermath of a prison riot in the city of Guayaquil on 30 September, during which 119 inmates were killed.