In the aftermath of the fire, three government officials—including the country's Secretary of Social Welfare—were arrested and charged with crimes such as wrongful death and negligence.

[2][3] Although the home does not house criminals, it does take in minors with legal histories who have completed their sentences, but have no relatives to take care of them.

[5] Guatemala's Human Rights Ombudsman's Office (PDH for its initials in Spanish) received 45 reports of abuse between 2012 and 2016.

[7] According to the Social Welfare Secretariat, the riot started at 2:00 pm when a group of adolescents climbed on to the roof and threatened guards and staff with metal objects.

[8] At around 10:00 pm, an officer of Guatemala's National Civil Police called president Jimmy Morales to inform him of the situation.

President Morales had directed the staff to keep the escapees separate because they had broken the law and represented a risk to the other residents.

Human rights advocates condemned various officials—including president Morales, the Attorney General, and the Secretary of Social Welfare—for failing to address the complaints about abuse of all kinds at the orphanage.

[12] Several members of the Congress of Guatemala called for the dismissal of Carlos Rodas, the Secretary of Social Welfare.

[9] Meanwhile, the Public Prosecutor began a criminal investigation of the events, collecting evidence including video from surveillance cameras at the home.

[13] On 11 March, hundreds of people protested in Guatemala City against the perceived negligence, corruption and ineptitude of the Guatemalan government.