In recent years, El Salvador has witnessed a remarkable transformation in its prison system under the leadership of President Nayib Bukele. Unlike the past administrations, where prisons served as logistical hubs for criminal activities, the current government has prioritized order and discipline within the correctional facilities.
The shift from prisons being considered “universities of crime” during the FMLN and ARENA administrations to a penitentiary system built on the pillars of order, control, and discipline has been emphasized by authorities at the Centers for Penitentiary Affairs. Since 2019, stringent security measures have been implemented for both gang members and common inmates under President Bukele’s government.
Osiris Luna Meza, the current director of Centers for Penitentiary Affairs, asserts, “Prisons are no longer gang hotels. Since President Bukele’s government took office, the state has regained control, ensuring order and discipline within the correctional centers.”
Under the current administration, there have been no reported riots or violent incidents within Salvadoran prisons. The government has also invested in improving facilities and implementing security measures, including a 100% block on inmate communication with the outside world through technological means.
President Bukele, aiming to dismantle gangs that have plagued Salvadoran society for years, further intensified security measures in 2022. This proactive approach demonstrates a commitment to ensuring the safety of law-abiding citizens.
A past of corruption
A stark contrast can be drawn between the current government’s approach and past administrations’ policies. In 2004, former President Antonio Saca attempted to reduce violence within prisons by segregating gangs. However, this move backfired, leading to the worst massacre in Salvadoran prison history, with 32 bodies discovered just a month later.
Subsequent governments, including that of Mauricio Funes, introduced measures such as the controversial gang truce, contributing to the further strengthening of criminal organizations. This misguided attempt at reducing violence resulted in the gangs gaining complete control over prisons and communities, fostering exponential growth within their ranks.
Currently, the strict control imposed on gang members prevents them from communicating with the outside world, including family visits. The construction of the Center for Counterterrorism Confinement (Cecot) in 2023, boasting international standards of quality and security, represents a significant step in limiting inmate communication and fortifying prison facilities.
El Salvador’s Secure Prisons in Regional Context
Compared to previous years when lenient prison benefits were granted, Salvadoran inmates now experience strict control and order, setting them apart from issues faced by neighboring countries. For instance, in Honduras and Ecuador, prisons have been plagued by escapes and deadly conflicts.
Honduran prisons have witnessed over 1,000 deaths in the last 20 years, with the worst incident occurring in Comayagua in 2012, where a fire claimed the lives of 362 individuals. In Ecuador, prison massacres have led to at least 460 inmate deaths since 2021, with recent disturbances and escapes prompting the government to consider the construction of two maximum-security prisons modeled after El Salvador’s Cecot.
In summary, El Salvador’s prison system has undergone a significant transformation, transitioning from havens for criminal activities to fortified institutions prioritizing order, control, and discipline. President Bukele’s administration is actively working to ensure the safety of citizens by dismantling criminal networks and maintaining a secure correctional environment, setting an example for regional counterparts facing ongoing prison challenges.