A delegation of Brazilian lawmakers visited El Salvador this week to observe firsthand the country’s dramatic transformation from one of the world’s most violent nations to what they describe as the safest country in the Western Hemisphere.
Nikolas Ferreira, the most-voted federal deputy in Brazil and in the history of Minas Gerais, shared his impressions after touring the CECOT, El Salvador’s high-security mega-prison. In a post on X, he wrote, “From the most violent country to the safest in the world. I came to learn up close how El Salvador was transformed by President Nayib Bukele’s policies.” He added that he stood face-to-face with some of the region’s most dangerous criminals and stated, “Here human rights work: no privileges or perks. Only the firm rigor of the law.”
Ferreira said he returned to Brazil with renewed hope, expressing that restoring security begins with personal responsibility. “With courage and hard work, we can also rescue Brazil. May God guide us,” he wrote.
Eduardo Bolsonaro also posted about the visit, noting that he and other legislators spent the morning with El Salvador’s Minister of Justice and Public Security, Gustavo Villatoro. According to Bolsonaro, Villatoro explained in detail how El Salvador shed its reputation for extreme violence. Bolsonaro emphasized what he called the three pillars of the “Bukele Miracle”: political courage to confront entrenched systems, harsh laws against criminal organizations, and massive territorial control supported by technology, AI, and coordinated security forces.
Bolsonaro highlighted that nearly 90,000 criminals have been detained, communication between inmates and the outside world has been cut, and facilities like CECOT enforce strict security. He added that the country’s economy has strengthened as violence has fallen “practically to zero.”
Brazilian lawmakers concluded that El Salvador’s experience offers valuable lessons. “Brazil has much to learn from El Salvador, and we are here for exactly that,” Bolsonaro said, thanking Minister Villatoro for his openness and commitment to public safety.