Gangs, Governance, and Human Rights in El Salvador

This chapter examines the contentious relationship between the El Salvadoran government and gangs, detailing a controversial pact that temporarily reduced violence but failed to tackle underlying crime issues. It highlights the impact of U.S. involvement and the state of emergency measures that have led to mass detentions, family separations, and a troubling erosion of civil liberties. As citizens navigate heightened policing and potential human rights abuses, the chapter questions the real implications of the government's approach to ensuring security.