Streets of Blood: The Gang Wars of El Salvador

El Salvador has long been plagued by gang violence, primarily involving the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Barrio 18 gangs, which originated in the U.S. and expanded in El Salvador after mass deportations in the 1990s. Despite various government strategies, including harsh "mano dura" policies and controversial truces, gang violence has persisted, contributing to high homicide rates and widespread fear. In recent years, President Nayib Bukele's administration has implemented an aggressive crackdown on gangs, resulting in mass arrests and a significant reduction in crime. However, these measures have raised concerns about human rights abuses and the potential for authoritarianism, as the crackdown has involved suspending constitutional rights and detaining thousands without trial.