A Dramatic Turn in El Salvador
El Salvador, once plagued by rampant gang violence, has undergone a stunning transformation. Homicide rates have plummeted from 103 per 100,000 people in 2015 to just 1.15 in 2025, making it one of the safest nations in the Western Hemisphere. This shift, driven by President Nayib Bukele’s aggressive Territorial Control Plan, has drawn global attention. The plan, paired with a prolonged state of emergency, has dismantled criminal networks but sparked heated debate over its methods.
The United States, a long-standing partner, finds itself at a crossroads in its relationship with El Salvador. Recent high-level meetings, including a Pentagon visit by Salvadoran Defense Minister René Francis Merino Monroy, highlight a deepening alliance. U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth praised El Salvador’s ‘miracle’ in curbing crime, signaling a desire to expand cooperation. Yet, beneath the diplomatic pleasantries, tensions simmer over human rights and democratic norms.
For everyday Salvadorans, the impact is tangible. Streets once ruled by gangs like MS-13 are quieter, and businesses report less extortion. But the cost is steep: over 81,000 detentions, including thousands of children, often without clear evidence. Families speak of loved ones vanishing into overcrowded prisons, some never to return. This duality—security gains versus personal freedoms—defines the U.S.-El Salvador dynamic today.
Security Wins, Human Rights Costs
El Salvador’s security overhaul relies on its state of emergency, extended over 30 times since 2022. The policy suspends constitutional protections, allowing mass arrests and indefinite detentions. Authorities credit it with dismantling cartels and restoring order. U.S. officials, including Hegseth, have lauded El Salvador’s naval interdictions and its Terrorism Confinement Center, which holds suspected foreign terrorists and gang members.
However, human rights groups paint a darker picture. Reports document widespread arbitrary arrests, torture, and at least 261 deaths in custody. International organizations, including the United Nations, have criticized the erosion of judicial independence, with mass trials and mandatory pretrial detentions becoming the norm. These concerns have prompted some U.S. lawmakers to question the partnership, urging accountability and transparency.
The U.S. response has been mixed. While praising El Salvador’s crime reduction, Washington has imposed sanctions and restricted aid over governance issues. Congressional debates, led by figures like Senator Chris Van Hollen, focus on balancing security cooperation with support for democratic principles. For Salvadorans, the crackdown offers safety but leaves many wondering about the price of stability.
A Strategic Military Alliance
Beyond internal security, El Salvador’s military plays a growing role in regional stability. With a $261.4 million defense budget in 2024, up from $145.1 million in 2019, the country has invested heavily in its 25,000-strong armed forces. Though ranked 125th globally in military power, El Salvador excels in naval operations and counternarcotics, areas of keen U.S. interest. Joint exercises, intelligence sharing, and training programs through U.S. Southern Command strengthen this bond.
El Salvador’s strategic position in Central America makes it a vital U.S. ally. The country hosts regional security forums, like the CENTAM Working Group, and participates in exercises such as Fuerzas Comando. Recent agreements on customs and passenger data sharing have bolstered efforts against drug trafficking and transnational crime. The U.S. views El Salvador’s mega-prison, housing thousands of alleged gang members, as a tool for regional counter-terrorism, though its use for U.S. deportees raises ethical questions.
Migration and Political Flashpoints
Migration remains a cornerstone of U.S.-El Salvador relations. Since March 2025, El Salvador has accepted over 200 deportees, including Venezuelans and alleged criminals, often without public evidence. President Bukele’s willingness to absorb U.S. deportees aligns with U.S. priorities, particularly under President Donald Trump, who has prioritized stringent immigration policies. Yet, cases like Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident wrongfully deported, have ignited controversy.
The U.S. Supreme Court ordered Garcia’s return, but both Trump and Bukele have resisted, citing legal ambiguities. This standoff has drawn sharp criticism from U.S. lawmakers, with some traveling to El Salvador to advocate for detainees. These tensions reflect broader debates about balancing security cooperation with human rights. While El Salvador’s policies curb migration flows, they complicate diplomatic ties with parts of the U.S. government wary of authoritarian tendencies.
Looking Ahead
The U.S.-El Salvador partnership stands at a pivotal moment. El Salvador’s security achievements have made it a model for crime reduction, earning praise from U.S. leaders and strengthening bilateral ties. Naval cooperation, counter-terrorism efforts, and migration agreements signal a robust alliance. Yet, the erosion of democratic norms and human rights concerns cast a shadow, prompting calls for a more balanced approach from Washington.
For ordinary citizens in both nations, the stakes are real. Salvadorans weigh newfound safety against personal freedoms, while Americans grapple with the implications of partnering with a government accused of overreach. As discussions continue, the path forward will depend on navigating these complexities with clarity and mutual respect, ensuring security and rights are not mutually exclusive.