The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Archive: El Salvador’s President Cracks Down on Gangs—and Democracy
Jun 21, 2025
Manuel Meléndez-Sánchez, a Harvard PhD candidate in Political Science, delves into President Nayib Bukele's controversial crackdown on gangs in El Salvador. He discusses the delicate balance between public safety and civil liberties amidst increasing authoritarianism. The conversation highlights Bukele's rising popularity despite significant human rights abuses and explores his appeal to American right-wing politicians. Meléndez-Sánchez analyzes the long-term implications for democracy, drawing parallels with historical political dynamics in Latin America.
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Gangs’ Rise Undermined State Control
- El Salvador's gangs, originating post-civil war, grew powerful due to weak state control and forced returns of refugees.
- Gangs controlled neighborhoods, collecting protection taxes and restricting residents’ movements, undermining state authority.
Law Suspension Powers Enabled Crackdown
- Bukele's crackdown relies mainly on mass arrests enabled by suspending constitutional rights under a state of emergency.
- Eased conviction rules and lower age of criminal responsibility keep more gang suspects imprisoned longer.
Controlling Narrative Sustains Popularity
- Bukele expertly controls information flow to portray zero crime and maintain crackdown popularity.
- Secrecy and cherry-picking data sustain public support despite human rights concerns.