Fact Check: El Salvador has a significant issue with gang violence.

Fact Check: "El Salvador has a significant issue with gang violence."

What We Know

El Salvador has historically struggled with gang violence, particularly from notorious gangs such as MS-13 and Barrio 18. The country was once labeled as one of the most violent in the world, with a homicide rate peaking at 105 per 100,000 people in 2015 (Human Rights Watch). However, recent reports indicate a significant decline in gang-related violence. Official figures show that the homicide rate has dropped dramatically, reaching a historic low of approximately 1.15 homicides per 100,000 people in 2025 (El Salvador Info). This decline is attributed to the government's aggressive security measures, including a state of emergency that has been in place since March 2022, which has led to mass arrests and the suspension of constitutional rights (Geneva Council).

Despite the reduction in violence, the methods employed to achieve this have raised serious human rights concerns. The state of emergency has resulted in widespread abuses, including arbitrary detentions, torture, and violations of due process (Human Rights Watch). Reports suggest that many detainees have no direct connections to gang activities, and arrests are often based on appearance or anonymous tips rather than solid evidence (Human Rights Watch).

Analysis

The claim that El Salvador has a significant issue with gang violence is partially true. While it is accurate that the country has faced severe gang violence historically, the current situation is more complex. The government's measures have led to a notable decrease in homicide rates and gang-related crimes, indicating progress in reducing violence (El Salvador Info). However, the methods used—such as mass arrests and the suspension of civil liberties—have sparked international criticism and raised ethical questions about the balance between security and human rights (Geneva Council, Human Rights Watch).

The reliability of the sources varies. The Human Rights Watch report is credible and provides a comprehensive overview of the human rights implications of the government's actions. In contrast, the El Salvador Info report focuses on statistical data regarding homicide rates, which, while accurate, does not fully encompass the broader context of human rights abuses occurring under the current regime (El Salvador Info, Human Rights Watch).

Moreover, the ongoing state of emergency and its repeated extensions suggest that while gang violence may have decreased, the underlying issues of governance, human rights, and societal stability remain unresolved. This indicates that while the immediate threat of gang violence may have lessened, the broader implications of the government's response could lead to long-term instability.

Conclusion

The verdict on the claim that "El Salvador has a significant issue with gang violence" is Partially True. While gang violence has decreased significantly in recent years, the methods employed to achieve this reduction have resulted in serious human rights violations and a troubling state of emergency. Thus, while the immediate threat may have diminished, the broader context of violence and repression complicates the situation.