The True Story of El Salvador’s Fight Against Gang Violence

Introduction

For decades, El Salvador was known not just for its stunning landscapes and rich culture but also for a darker reality—one of fear, violence, and oppression at the hands of ruthless gangs. The streets were ruled by Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18, two of the most feared criminal organizations in the world. Extortion, kidnappings, and brutal killings became a daily occurrence, forcing thousands to flee their homes. However, against all odds, the people of El Salvador found the strength to fight back. This is the true story of how a country once gripped by terror is now reclaiming its future.

The Rise of the Gangs

The origins of gang violence in El Salvador can be traced back to the civil war (1980–1992) and its aftermath. Thousands of Salvadorans fled to the United States, particularly Los Angeles, where many young immigrants joined gangs for survival. After the U.S. began deporting criminals back to El Salvador in the 1990s, these gangs took root in the struggling country, growing into powerful, well-organized criminal networks.

By the early 2000s, MS-13 and Barrio 18 had effectively become parallel governments, controlling entire communities through fear and violence. Residents had to pay "protection fees" to avoid being killed. Young boys were recruited into gang life, while young girls were often forced into relationships with gang members. Speaking out meant certain death.

The Reign of Fear

María López, a shop owner from San Salvador, recalls the nightmare of living under gang rule:

"I was forced to pay ‘rent’ every week just to keep my store open. If I refused, they would kill me or my family. We all knew someone who had disappeared. There was no hope."

Public transportation became a battleground. Bus drivers who refused to pay gang taxes were burned alive in their vehicles. Police officers were ambushed, and journalists who exposed gang activities were assassinated. The murder rate in El Salvador skyrocketed, reaching 103 murders per 100,000 people in 2015—making it the most violent country in the world at the time.

The Turning Point: Bukele’s War on Gangs

In 2019, Nayib Bukele was elected president, promising to take back El Salvador from the grip of gangs. His plan, known as the Territorial Control Plan, started with increasing military and police presence in gang-controlled areas. But the real shift came in March 2022, when El Salvador experienced one of its deadliest weekends: 87 people were killed in just three days. In response, Bukele declared a state of emergency, suspending certain constitutional rights to wage an all-out war on the gangs.

Within months, the government arrested over 75,000 suspected gang members. Massive prisons were built, including the Terrorism Confinement Center, designed to hold thousands of criminals in extreme conditions. Gang tattoos, once a symbol of power, became a mark of doom as police hunted down gang affiliates.

Life After the Crackdown

The results were staggering. By 2023, the murder rate in El Salvador dropped by over 70%, making it one of the safest countries in Latin America. Businesses reopened, tourism boomed, and for the first time in decades, children could play outside without fear.

Despite these successes, critics argue that Bukele’s methods—such as mass arrests and reports of human rights abuses—set a dangerous precedent. Thousands of innocent people were caught in the sweep, and families mourned loved ones who disappeared into the prison system without trials. However, for many Salvadorans, the newfound peace outweighs the cost.

The People’s Verdict

Carlos Herrera, a taxi driver in San Salvador, puts it simply:

"For the first time in my life, I can drive at night without fear. The gangs controlled us for too long. Now, it’s our time to live."

The story of El Salvador’s fight against gang violence is far from over. Challenges remain, but one thing is clear: the country has broken free from the grip of terror. This true-life account is not just about crime and punishment—it’s about the resilience of a people who refused to surrender their future.