In brief
José Adolfo Macías, known for leading the violent Los Choneros gang, has been captured after a prison escape in 2024 led to nationwide violence and unrest.
Ecuadorian authorities have successfully captured gang leader José Adolfo Macías, widely known as "Fito," following a violent prison escape in January 2024 that destabilized large areas of the nation. President Daniel Noboa announced the apprehension through social media, stating, "We have done our part to proceed with Fito’s extradition to the United States. We are awaiting their response." Macías, 45, is currently wanted by U.S. law enforcement for serious charges including drug trafficking and arms smuggling. He leads the notorious Los Choneros gang—one of Ecuador's most feared criminal organizations. Earlier this year, the U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of New York charged him with seven offenses related to cocaine distribution.His escape from a Guayaquil prison in January sparked a nationwide state of emergency, leading to riots in prisons and violent gang rivalries that resulted in kidnappings and bomb attacks. To respond, the U.S. Treasury Department sanctioned both Macías and Los Choneros in February.Law enforcement officials located Macías hiding in an underground bunker in Manta, located approximately 120 miles from Guayaquil, Interior Minister John Reimberg reported. Security footage of the operation showcased Ecuadorean police and military officers subduing him and subsequently transferring him to an armored vehicle bound for an Air Force plane back to Guayaquil. Following the prison escape a few months post-President Noboa's election—during which he had promised a tough stance on gang violence—he reiterated, "More will fall, we will reclaim the country. No truce." The capture has been lauded, with the U.S. Embassy in Quito congratulating Ecuadorian officials on their success.
