Last weekend, President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador engaged in a notable meeting with Erik Prince, the founder of the private security company Blackwater and a former U.S. Navy officer. The discussion centered on El Salvador’s significant strides in combating crime and the ongoing international perception of the country’s security situation.
Erik Prince, who recently toured El Salvador’s Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT)—a state-of-the-art facility designed to house gang members—expressed his astonishment at the country’s progress in its fight against organized crime. Prince, who has a long history in security operations, was visibly impressed by the advancements made under President Bukele’s administration.
However, the conversation took a critical turn when the topic of El Salvador’s travel alert status was raised. Prince voiced his frustration over the U.S. State Department’s decision to maintain El Salvador at a Level 3 travel advisory, which advises travelers to reconsider travel due to high risks. Prince argued that this classification does not reflect the improvements he observed on the ground and should be downgraded to Level 1.
In response to Prince’s concerns, President Bukele shared his hope that the State Department would reconsider its position. “Let’s hope they change it, because it is not sustainable to keep it at Level 3,” Bukele remarked, reflecting his administration’s commitment to reshaping international perceptions of El Salvador’s safety.
Prince, clearly agitated by the continued high-risk designation, commented, “I am not surprised but I am outraged that the State Department still classifies El Salvador as a super dangerous country, as if it were a war zone.”
The meeting underscored a growing divide between international travel advisories and the reality on the ground in El Salvador, as the country continues to push forward with its ambitious anti-crime initiatives.
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