U.S. Senator Ted Cruz highlighted El Salvador’s dramatic security achievements after meeting with President Nayib Bukele, Justice Minister Gustavo Villatoro, and other national leaders.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Senator Cruz praised the country’s anti-terrorism strategies that dismantled criminal structures and reduced violence nationwide. “We discussed how El Salvador developed cutting-edge anti-terrorism tactics to combat gangs, transforming their country from one of the most dangerous on Earth to one of the safest, cutting the homicide rate by 98%. What I am seeing on the ground is a staggering success,” he wrote.
President Nayib Bukele responded publicly, expressing gratitude for the visit: “Thank you, Senator. We were honored to welcome you to our country.”
El Salvador’s security model has gained international attention, with record reductions in homicide rates and growing recognition abroad. Analysts note that such endorsements from U.S. officials may strengthen bilateral cooperation and increase global visibility of El Salvador’s transformation.