El Salvador Reports 1.9 Homicides Per 100,000 in 2024 Amidst Sweeping Anti-Gang Crackdown

El Salvador has reported a significant reduction in its homicide rate, reaching a record low of 1.9 homicides per 100,000 inhabitants in 2024, according to figures released by the Attorney General’s Office. This dramatic decline follows President Nayib Bukele's controversial "State of Exception" security strategy, which has seen tens of thousands arrested since its implementation. The perceived success has led some observers, such as Nic Carter, to remark in a tweet that "> Bukele showed us that living like this is a choice," reflecting the sentiment that the improved security is a direct result of the government's decisive actions.

The "State of Exception" was initially enacted on March 27, 2022, in response to a surge in gang violence that resulted in 62 homicides in a single day. This measure, repeatedly extended by the Legislative Assembly, suspended several constitutional rights, including due process and freedom of association, granting security forces broad powers for arrests and detentions. The government's objective was to dismantle powerful gangs like MS-13 and Barrio 18, which had long terrorized the nation.

Since the crackdown began, over 83,000 individuals have been arrested on suspicion of gang affiliation, leading to El Salvador having the highest incarceration rate globally. The government also opened the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), a mega-prison capable of holding 40,000 inmates. This aggressive approach has transformed the daily lives of many Salvadorans, who previously lived under constant threat of extortion and violence from criminal organizations.

Despite the notable reduction in homicides—a stark contrast to the 6,656 homicides recorded in 2015—the strategy has drawn significant criticism from human rights organizations. Groups such as Cristosal and WOLA have documented widespread concerns over arbitrary detentions, lack of due process, and reports of torture and deaths in state custody, with over 350 fatalities reported among detainees. Critics also question the transparency of the official homicide statistics, suggesting some deaths may not be included.

Domestically, President Bukele maintains exceptionally high approval ratings, as many Salvadorans prioritize safety over civil liberties after decades of pervasive gang control. Internationally, the "Bukele Model" has sparked debate, with some Latin American leaders considering similar tough-on-crime policies, while others, alongside the U.S. State Department, continue to express concerns about human rights implications and the long-term sustainability of the approach. The ongoing "State of Exception" underscores a complex trade-off between security and civil liberties in the Central American nation.