El Salvador witnessed a remarkable transition from having 6,656 homicides in 2015—when it was labeled the world's most violent nation with a staggering rate of 106.3 murders per 100,000 people—to closing 2025 with just 82 violent deaths, resulting in a rate of 1.3 per 100,000 inhabitants, according to an extensive report by the BBC.
The report delves into the state of Salvadoran communities four years after President Nayib Bukele initiated an exceptional regime. This transformation began in March 2022 when the Legislative Assembly—dominated by the president's allies—enacted emergency measures that suspend constitutional rights, allow arrests without warrants, and restrict access to legal defense. These measures have been extended monthly and remain in effect as of August 2026.
The Visible Change in Communities
In areas like La Campanera, on the outskirts of San Salvador, the transformation is evident. For years, this neighborhood was a stronghold for the Barrio 18 gang, which, alongside MS-13, contributed to the country's notorious violence.
Adélia Rosales, a preschool teacher who lived there during the worst times, recalls the corpses found in alleys and the shootings that disrupted church outings with her children. She now observes children playing in the streets even at night. "Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine this change," she told the BBC News Brazil team in May.
Impact of the State of Exception
Over 90,000 individuals have been jailed for alleged gang affiliations since the state of exception began. The decline in homicides has been consistent: from a rate of 84.1 in 2016 to 7.8 in 2022, 2.4 in 2023, 1.9 in 2024, and 1.3 in 2025. The government celebrated surpassing 900 consecutive days without recorded homicides by May 2025.
The economy narrates a similar success story. The GDP rose by 3.9% in 2025 and 4.8% in the first quarter of 2026, marking the highest growth in 17 years. Tourism saw 4.1 million international visitors last year, generating over $3.6 billion, while remittances nearly hit $10 billion, equating to about 24% of the GDP.
Human Cost and Political Control
However, there is a documented human cost to this model. Amnesty International warned in July 2026 that the state of exception might amount to crimes against humanity due to its "widespread and systematic attack on the civilian population."
The organization recorded at least 470 deaths in state custody, with Human Rights Watch reporting 458 in their annual review. Approximately 90% of those who died in prison had not been convicted at the time of their death, according to La Prensa Gráfica.
Mothers of detainees report arrests without evidence, and residents express a new fear—different from that of the gangs: the fear of speaking out or criticizing the government. The BBC encapsulates this paradox in its report title: "The fear is different now."
In the political arena, Bukele has secured unprecedented institutional control: 57 out of 60 Assembly members support him, he dismissed five Constitutional Chamber magistrates in 2021, and in July 2025, he pushed for a reform that removes re-election limits and extends the presidential term to six years.
With an approval rating of 67.4%—the highest among Latin American leaders according to CB Global Data—the president has announced his candidacy for a third term in the February 28, 2027, elections. If successful, he would remain in power until 2033, totaling 14 years at the country's helm.
FAQs about El Salvador's Transformation and Bukele's Policies
What were the emergency measures enacted in El Salvador in 2022?
In March 2022, El Salvador's Legislative Assembly, controlled by Bukele's allies, enacted emergency measures that suspended constitutional rights, allowed for arrests without warrants, and limited access to legal defense. These measures were part of Bukele's efforts to reduce crime and have been extended monthly since then.
How has the crime rate in El Salvador changed under Bukele's leadership?
Under Bukele's leadership, El Salvador's homicide rate decreased dramatically from 106.3 per 100,000 in 2015 to 1.3 per 100,000 in 2025. This significant drop is attributed to the aggressive anti-gang policies and the state of exception implemented by his government.
What are the criticisms of Bukele's policies?
Critics, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, argue that Bukele's policies could amount to crimes against humanity due to the widespread and systematic actions against civilians. Concerns include deaths in state custody and the suppression of civil liberties.