El Salvador continues to intensify its national security efforts, capturing an average of 471 gang members per month in the first half of 2025. According to official data, more than 2,800 members of criminal organizations were arrested between January and June of this year. The arrests form part of a broader security strategy launched under the state of emergency declared in March 2022.

Since the implementation of the state of emergency, Salvadoran authorities have arrested a total of 87,088 gang members, including leaders, extortionists, and contract killers. The initiative, promoted by President Nayib Bukele in response to a wave of homicides in early 2022, has become a central element of the country’s campaign to dismantle organized crime networks.

The Security Cabinet emphasized that the mission remains ongoing. “We will not rest until the last gang member who continues to harm the population is removed from the streets,” reiterated the Cabinet in its latest statement. In addition to arrests, authorities have seized large quantities of drugs, cash, vehicles, weapons, and other illegal assets.

Security Minister Gustavo Villatoro affirmed the necessity of continuing the emergency measure, stating, “The state of emergency must continue; it provides us with the necessary legal tools to carry out responsible work against gangs.”

The statistics reflect consistent progress:

• By January 2023, the government had captured 62,975 gang members.
• By December 2023, the number rose to 74,861.
• By September 2024, arrests reached over 81,000.
• By December 2024, a total of 84,260 had been detained.
• As of June 2025, this number stands at 87,088.

The measure, while criticized by international observers and some local opposition groups, continues to receive broad public support. According to a recent poll conducted by the University Institute of Public Opinion at José Simeón Cañas Central American University (Iudop-UCA), Salvadorans gave the government’s security policy an average score of 7.78 out of 10. Furthermore, 60% of respondents said the state of emergency should remain in effect.

This strong public endorsement has helped reinforce the government’s position that the state of emergency is a key factor behind El Salvador’s historic reduction in violence and increased sense of public safety.

As the country continues on its path to lasting peace, the Bukele administration affirms its commitment to maintaining security measures that ensure the safety of Salvadoran families.