Cristosal, a globalist NGO known for its political involvement in Central America, announced this morning that it is closing its operations in El Salvador. The decision coincides with the implementation of new fiscal regulations for non-governmental organizations engaged in political activity.
Under the recently introduced Foreign Agents Law (LAEX), individuals and organizations receiving international funding are now required to register with the Ministry of the Interior, disclose incoming funds, and comply with a 30% tax obligation. For groups like Cristosal, which had operated in El Salvador without fulfilling such requirements, the new law makes continued operations significantly more difficult.
Meanwhile, Cristosal has confirmed it will maintain its political activities in Guatemala and Honduras—two countries where similar regulatory frameworks are not yet in place.
This move is not isolated. It follows a broader trend that includes the relocation of El Faro, a controversial digital media outlet, to Costa Rica. These departures come as El Salvador experiences a dramatic drop in crime, with the government dismantling gang structures and restoring public safety in many areas.
“They’re leaving because the business model of chaos no longer works,” said a Salvadoran analyst, referring to the shift in public perception toward organizations that once thrived on documenting violence, extortion, and instability.
As homicides plummet and extortion cases decline, the role of foreign-funded NGOs in El Salvador is increasingly being questioned. For many Salvadorans, these organizations appear less focused on human rights and more aligned with political agendas and international funding streams.
Cristosal’s exit marks a significant shift in the country’s civil society landscape—one shaped not just by security gains, but also by a growing demand for transparency and accountability from foreign-funded institutions operating within national borders.