John Reimberg knew what he was getting himself into when he agreed to become Ecuador’s minister of the interior
José Adolfo “Fito” Macías Villamar was the former leader of the cartel Los Choneros who escaped in 2024 when being transferred to a maximum security prison. His escape led to an onslaught of attacks across the country, most notable when gunmen stormed a TV station live on air.
Reimberg oversaw Fito’s capture after Ecuador’s special forces found him attempting to hide in a bunker, but wasn’t able to close the door on time.
With help from Spain’s special forces, Reimberg was able to capture the former leader of Los Lobos cartel Wilmer “Pipo” Chavarria, who had faked his death in 2021 and had seven different facial reconstruction surgeries to hide his identity while living in Malaga.
Knowing what lay ahead of him when accepting this role, Reimberg wanted to serve his country which ultimately comes with a risk.
“I’m always present during special operations involving our police, I want these organized crime groups to know that this administration supports our police force,” Reimberg said.
To say it’s a dangerous job puts it mildly. Reinberg’s security team goes wherever he goes. Sometimes they surround him with bullet proof shields as he moves about on foot.
Reinberg worked as a director of security for export companies in Ecuador before transitioning to the public sector, when he was appointed as director general of the Integrated Security Service ECU 911, an emergency service connecting all first-response agencies.
“It was never a dream of mine to work for the public sector, funnily enough the highest level in my field of work in regards to security is becoming minister of the interior,” said Reimberg.
But it was only a few months later that he became the country’s minister of the interior after the previous minister stepped down from his role.
“I didn’t have the opportunity to think about it, I was director general for less than a month and President [Daniel] Noboa instilled his faith in me to take over the reins of the minister of the interior job,” Reinberg said.
Ecuador has seen a surge of violence as narco-terrorist groups continue to increase their presence and affect many major cities.
Last year was the most violent in Ecuador’s history with over 9,000 homicides, 85% were linked to organized crime.
“2025 was so violent because we made the decision to go after the leaders of these narco-terrorist groups, and without a leader, many of these groups began to kill each other,” Reimberg said.
Reimberg has had to live a more low-profile life since being appointed to his new role.
The Ecuadoran government provides full-time security for him and his family. including a five-member personal security team that travels in two vehicles to ensure their safety.
“One of the main challenges has been maintaining a constant balance between strict security and the family’s everyday life,” said Mishel Peñafiel, one of the people who protects him. “Given the high-profile environment, the risks are greater, and decisions must be made with a high level of responsibility and foresight.”
Even after all that, Reimberg said people in the streets thanking him for the job he’s done so far justifies what he’s had to give up in his personal life to serve his country.
“I never imagined it,” said Mariuxi Neira, Reimberg’s wife. “But it was always John’s dream, he is someone who perseveres and accomplishes his goals 100%.
Just over a year into the job, some people wonder what’s next for Reimberg, especially with presidential elections in three years.
Rumors have circulated that Reimberg would run for mayor of Guayaquil after Mayor Aquiles Alvarez and his two brothers were arrested in February as part of an investigation into alleged money laundering, tax evasion and organized crime in Ecuador.
Those rumors were shut down by Reimberg himself.
His security team will stick by Reimberg and his family for as long as he is minister of the interior. It’s demanding, said Peñafiel, but good for the experience and personal growth.
“When we decided to accept, we placed everything in God’s hands and take life day by day, dedicated to serving the country,” said Neira
“I plan to continue in this role for as long as the president requires of my services,” said Reimberg. I tell everyone that I think I will hold this position for the next seven years because I’m confident that President Noboa will be re-elected and we can continue working together.”
