Since taking office, President Nayib Bukele has transformed the security landscape in El Salvador, overseeing one of the most dramatic declines in violent crime in recent history.
His aggressive crackdown on gangs — including a sweeping state of exception that led to tens of thousands of arrests — has been credited by supporters with restoring order in a country that was once considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Streets that were previously controlled by criminal groups have, in many areas, returned to everyday life.
At the same time, the approach has drawn intense scrutiny from international observers and human rights organizations, who warn that the mass arrests and emergency powers raise serious concerns about due process, wrongful detentions, and civil liberties.
Bukele himself has acknowledged the criticism, arguing that the results justify the method — and that restoring safety comes at a cost.
His aggressive crackdown on gangs — including a sweeping state of exception that led to tens of thousands of arrests — has been credited by supporters with restoring order in a country that was once considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Streets that were previously controlled by criminal groups have, in many areas, returned to everyday life.
At the same time, the approach has drawn intense scrutiny from international observers and human rights organizations, who warn that the mass arrests and emergency powers raise serious concerns about due process, wrongful detentions, and civil liberties.
Bukele himself has acknowledged the criticism, arguing that the results justify the method — and that restoring safety comes at a cost.
Since taking office, President Nayib Bukele has transformed the security landscape in El Salvador, overseeing one of the most dramatic declines in violent crime in recent history.
His aggressive crackdown on gangs — including a sweeping state of exception that led to tens of thousands of arrests — has been credited by supporters with restoring order in a country that was once considered one of the most dangerous in the world. Streets that were previously controlled by criminal groups have, in many areas, returned to everyday life.
At the same time, the approach has drawn intense scrutiny from international observers and human rights organizations, who warn that the mass arrests and emergency powers raise serious concerns about due process, wrongful detentions, and civil liberties.
Bukele himself has acknowledged the criticism, arguing that the results justify the method — and that restoring safety comes at a cost.
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