Journalist Shot While Investigating Tip in Huaquillas Border Town

A journalist investigating a tip about human remains was gunned down in one of Ecuador's most well-known border crossings — a town that many expats pass through regularly.

The Attack

Jose Vinces, an Ecuadorian journalist, was shot in the stomach by two unidentified gunmen while investigating a tip about human remains discovered in a cemetery in Huaquillas, a small city in El Oro province on Ecuador's southern border with Peru.

Vinces had received information about the remains and traveled to the location to report on the story. The attackers approached him and opened fire. He was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. As of reporting, his condition has not been publicly updated.

International Response

The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), an international press freedom organization, issued a statement expressing serious concern over the attack. The CPJ called on Ecuadorian authorities to conduct a thorough investigation, identify the perpetrators, and ensure Vinces receives adequate protection.

JURIST, the legal news service, reported on the attack on March 22, 2026, noting that it fits a broader pattern of violence against journalists in Ecuador and across Latin America.

The Broader Context

Ecuador has become increasingly dangerous for journalists in recent years, paralleling the country's overall security deterioration. The nation ended 2025 with a record homicide rate of 51 per 100,000 residents, driven by organized crime, narco-trafficking, and territorial disputes between criminal gangs.

Press freedom organizations have documented a rising number of threats, attacks, and killings targeting journalists in Ecuador, particularly those who cover organized crime, corruption, and security issues. Reporters in border regions and coastal provinces face the highest risks.

Huaquillas itself has been a flashpoint. The city sits directly on the Ecuador-Peru border and serves as a major transit point for both legal commerce and illicit trafficking. Its strategic position makes it a contested zone for criminal organizations operating on both sides of the border.

Why Huaquillas Matters to Expats

Huaquillas is not just a name in the news — it is a practical part of many expats' lives in Ecuador. The Huaquillas-Aguas Verdes border crossing is one of the most commonly used land crossings for:

• Visa runs: Expats who need to exit and re-enter Ecuador to reset tourist visa clocks or fulfill travel requirements often cross at Huaquillas into Tumbes, Peru
• Transit to Peru: Those traveling overland to northern Peru (Máncora, Piura, Lima) typically pass through Huaquillas
• Shopping and commerce: The border zone has a large informal market that attracts shoppers from both countries

What This Means for Expats

• If you use the Huaquillas border crossing, exercise heightened caution. Travel during daylight hours, use established transportation services, and avoid lingering in the town longer than necessary
• This attack is a rule-of-law indicator. When journalists are targeted for investigating crimes, it signals that criminal organizations operate with impunity in certain areas. This has implications for personal safety, property security, and the reliability of local law enforcement
• Consider alternative border crossings. The Macará crossing (also in the southern highlands, via Loja) is generally considered safer and less chaotic than Huaquillas, though it adds travel time depending on your starting point
• Press freedom affects everyone. A country where journalists cannot safely investigate crime is a country where crime goes underreported. This means the security situation in border regions and coastal provinces may be worse than official statistics suggest
• Stay informed through multiple channels. Do not rely solely on Ecuadorian media for security assessments in border zones — international organizations like CPJ, InSight Crime, and OSAC (the US State Department's security advisory council) provide additional context

Sources: JURIST, Committee to Protect Journalists