In a recent statement, the U.S.-El Salvador caucus, a bipartisan group in the United States Congress, has underscored the positive transformation in public security within El Salvador, attributing it to the efforts of the country’s Armed Forces and National Civil Police (PNC). This comes in the wake of a CNN World report showcasing the significant strides made in Salvadoran security under President Nayib Bukele’s administration.
The caucus, which was established to strengthen ties between the two nations, emphasized the link between enhanced security and economic prosperity in El Salvador. Their comments were informed by a comprehensive CNN World report detailing the favorable changes Salvadorans have experienced since the implementation of the Territorial Control Plan and a state of emergency.
According to the CNN report, Salvadorans returning from the U.S. have expressed gratitude for the improved safety conditions in their home country. Among the stories highlighted was that of a couple who, after returning to El Salvador in 2018 following an unsuccessful asylum claim in the U.S., witnessed a dramatic transformation in their environment. The couple, who had previously encountered rampant crime, now run a successful home business in San Salvador.
Another story featured in the report is of a Salvadoran who returned from the U.S. after fleeing in 1997. This individual invested in a beach resort project in Tamanique, La Libertad, and successfully rebuilt their life in their hometown.
The caucus’s praise for the Salvadoran security forces reflects a broader sentiment of renewed optimism among Salvadorans, particularly those returning from the United States. Their testimonies underscore how improvements in public safety have created new opportunities for personal and economic growth.
President Nayib Bukele responded to the CNN report, noting the contrast between international journalistic perspectives and the on-the-ground reality. He pointed out that while external reports might differ, the positive feedback from Salvadorans themselves is a testament to the success of his security strategies.
The U.S.-El Salvador caucus’s recognition of these developments underscores the broader implications of security reform, not just for immediate safety, but for long-term prosperity and the restoration of faith in one’s homeland.