El Salvador's Security Strategy Echoed in Bukele's "Wolf and Sheep" Proverb to Elon Musk

San Salvador, El Salvador – President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador recently shared a pointed message on social media, tweeting to Elon Musk, "> He who spares the wolf sacrifices the sheep." This statement encapsulates the philosophy behind El Salvador's stringent "Mano Dura" (Iron Fist) security policy, which has garnered both widespread support for its effectiveness and significant international criticism for its human rights implications. The tweet, posted on September 12, 2025, quickly drew a direct affirmation from Musk, who responded with "True. Violent criminals are a very small percentage of the population, but they will keep inflicting violence on innocent people until they’re locked up."

Bukele's administration initiated a "state of exception" in March 2022, granting security forces expanded powers to combat powerful street gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18. This policy allows for arrests without warrants and has led to the incarceration of over 85,000 alleged criminals, resulting in El Salvador having the world's highest incarceration rate. The government's approach aims to dismantle gang structures by removing perceived threats from society.

The aggressive crackdown has dramatically reduced El Salvador's homicide rate, which was once among the highest globally. Reports indicate a significant drop in murders, with the country achieving periods of zero homicides, transforming public safety in many areas previously controlled by gangs. This success has cemented Bukele's popularity domestically and inspired similar "Bukele model" discussions in other Latin American nations facing high crime rates.

However, human rights organizations and international bodies have voiced grave concerns over the "state of exception," citing widespread arbitrary detentions, lack of due process, and inhumane prison conditions. Critics argue that the policy sacrifices fundamental legal protections for security, with thousands of innocent individuals reportedly swept up in the dragnet. These groups emphasize the importance of upholding civil liberties even in the face of severe security challenges.

The proverb shared by President Bukele highlights a core tenet of his governance: that protecting the vulnerable (the sheep) necessitates uncompromising action against dangerous elements (the wolves). This perspective justifies the harsh measures taken, framing them as essential for the greater good of national security. The exchange with Elon Musk underscores a shared belief in decisive action against perceived threats to public order.

Despite the security gains, El Salvador continues to grapple with underlying socio-economic issues, including poverty and unemployment, which some analysts believe are root causes of gang recruitment. While the "Mano Dura" has been effective in suppressing gang violence, the long-term sustainability and broader societal impact of governing under such exceptional measures remain subjects of ongoing debate and scrutiny.