El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele continues to draw attention on the international stage, particularly from U.S. lawmakers, after meeting with members of Congress this week. His approach to dealing with crime and government reform has gained recognition and praise from a variety of political figures, including Senator Bernie Moreno, who advocates for a stronger relationship between the United States and El Salvador under Bukele’s leadership.
In a statement following their meeting, an enthusiastic U.S. political figure proclaimed Bukele as an “INCREDIBLE American ally” and a “model for the West.” This sentiment reflects a growing admiration among some American lawmakers for Bukele’s intense drive to restore order in his country. His administration’s aggressive tactics, aimed at dismantling corrupt systems and confronting violent gangs, resonate with those concerned about law and order.
Since taking office in 2019, Bukele has embarked on a sweeping campaign to eradicate crime in El Salvador. His administration has achieved significant results, arresting over 76,000 suspected gang members. These actions were made possible by a state of emergency declared in March 2022, which temporarily suspended certain constitutional rights, allowing for mass detentions. Such measures have sparked debate, but for many, the results speak for themselves.
Bukele’s tactics specifically target the notorious MS-13 and Barrio 18 gangs, which contributed to El Salvador’s staggering murder rates. To illustrate the effectiveness of his policies, homicide rates fell from 52 per 100,000 people in 2015 to below 2 per 100,000 by 2023. This remarkable turnaround has positioned El Salvador as one of the safest nations in the Western Hemisphere, a statistic that undoubtedly catches the eye of lawmakers concerned about migration and security.
However, Bukele’s methods are not without criticism. Human rights organizations have voiced concerns over the erosion of due process and legal protections within the emergency framework. Despite this, his popularity remains high in El Salvador, with a reported 85% support rate in his re-election campaign. He has effectively promised to maintain the momentum of his security reforms that have helped cleanse neighborhoods and public spaces of gang influence.
American lawmakers have taken notice of the decline in Salvadoran migration as violence decreases. U.S. Customs and Border Protection records show that apprehensions of Salvadoran nationals at the southern border plummeted by over 70% between fiscal years 2021 and 2023. As public safety improves, fewer Salvadorans feel the need to abandon their homes for a risky journey north.
Senator Moreno articulated this sentiment, saying, “He took a country overrun by gangs and turned the tide.” This kind of rhetoric emphasizes Bukele’s decisive leadership in restoring stability, which aligns with a growing interest among U.S. lawmakers in fostering partnerships with leaders who tackle crime head-on.
Bukele’s reforms have also reached into the judiciary. In a controversial move backed by his party’s supermajority in the Legislative Assembly, Bukele’s government removed Constitutional Court judges and the attorney general, actions he justified as necessary to eliminate corruption. Though met with trepidation from international observers, supporters maintain these steps are vital for establishing a fair and effective legal system.
The Salvadoran government has stressed that previous administrations allowed gang leaders to operate from prison, creating a cycle of corruption and political subservience. With Bukele in charge, these corrupt bargains seem to be a thing of the past.
One significant feature of Bukele’s security strategy is the construction of the Terrorism Confinement Center, a maximum-security prison capable of holding 40,000 inmates. This facility is tailor-made for suspected gang members, and many remain in pre-trial detention due to the emergency measures. While organizations like Human Rights Watch have raised alarms about potential abuses, local polling reveals a consistent over 80% public support for this approach.
For U.S. policymakers, El Salvador now represents a model of strong governance. Bukele’s administration argues that establishing a reliable legal system begins with ensuring public safety. With crime rates declining, El Salvador’s economy has also shown signs of recovery, growing nearly 3% in 2023 after years of stagnation.
In Washington, the push for stronger hemisphere alliances is evident. Concerns over cartel financing, human-smuggling routes, and narco-trafficking are high on the agenda for legislators, making Bukele’s policies a priority. He has altered the landscape in Central America, directly impacting U.S. interests regarding immigration and border security.
A congressional aide highlighted that, “El Salvador has done something most didn’t think possible — it’s made itself safer.” This reflects a broader sentiment that effective leadership can produce tangible results, which is exactly what some lawmakers are looking for in international partnerships.
During his visit, Bukele not only engaged with Congress but also with think tank officials and the Salvadoran-American community, focusing on economic investment and collaboration with the U.S. His administration’s initiatives to facilitate the return of previously deported Salvadorans illustrate a commitment to long-term stability and progress.
Bukele’s government has improved cooperation with U.S. law enforcement, expediting extraditions and sharing intelligence about gang activities. In 2022, the U.S. Justice Department praised the extradition of a top MS-13 leader from El Salvador as “unprecedented,” further solidifying the partnership between the two nations.
As he navigates Capitol Hill, it’s clear that Bukele’s aim is deeper than mere approval; he seeks a collaborative relationship that spans security, trade, and immigration. Although formal endorsements of Bukele’s policies are unlikely from Congress as a whole, individual lawmakers appreciative of his approach to law and order are keen to explore potential alliances. For them, Bukele has emerged as a rare case of modern governance, unafraid to make tough decisions, deliver results, and earn the trust of his constituents.
“We could learn a thing or two,” noted Moreno. “He made his country safer, and that’s what people remember.”
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