In El Salvador, a vast high-security prison named Cecot holds some of the nation’s most notorious criminals. Known as the “Terrorism Confinement Center,” it was built to contain the thousands of gang members and organized crime leaders once responsible for terrorizing El Salvador. Located in Tecoluca, this facility reflects President Nayib Bukele’s severe approach to combating crime. While many citizens welcome the newfound safety, Cecot’s strict conditions have raised concerns among human rights groups.

The prison, which houses between 10,000 and 20,000 inmates, starkly contrasts with previous overcrowded facilities. With its towering ceilings and spotless floors, Cecot resembles an industrial warehouse more than a typical prison. The cells hold groups of inmates under constant surveillance. Prisoners live without comforts—no mattresses, no personal belongings, and limited access to the outdoors. Guards maintain round-the-clock vigilance, and inmates spend over 23 hours a day in confinement, with only brief breaks for exercise or religious services.

President Bukele’s security measures, including Cecot, are part of a larger crackdown under a two-year state of emergency. Over 80,000 people, more than 1% of El Salvador’s population, have been detained as authorities attempt to dismantle gang networks. Some detainees are still awaiting trial, and human rights advocates argue that conditions in Cecot are excessively harsh. Juan Carlos Sánchez from the Due Process of Law Foundation notes that the lack of basic rights—like sufficient food, human contact, and rehabilitation efforts—violates international standards.

For many Salvadorans, however, the reduction in violence is tangible. Once plagued by some of the highest murder rates globally, the nation has seen crime rates plummet. Residents in San Salvador now feel safe enough to let their children attend school or travel alone. Salvador Molina, a father of two, describes the new sense of security as transformative. “We feel safe,” Molina says, explaining how the visible military presence has brought peace of mind to his family.

Though critics label Bukele’s methods as dictatorial, supporters argue that his aggressive policies have restored safety to the streets and removed the fear that once dominated daily life. Cecot and Bukele’s administration reflect the complex balance between public security and human rights—a debate that continues to stir both domestic and international scrutiny. For now, the prison remains a powerful, if controversial, symbol of El Salvador’s relentless war on crime.