Overview

El Salvador implemented a state of exception in March of 2022. According to the El Salvador Human Rights Report, this was in response to the dramatic rise in homicides committed by gangs over the weekend of March 25th-27th. 

During this time, authorities were granted the ability to arrest anyone they suspected of belonging to a gang or of providing support to gangs.

Concerns surrounding serious human rights violations began to rise nationally and globally. Additionally, many began questioning the long-term effectiveness of Nayib Bukele's security measures.