El Salvador has experienced a dramatic transformation under President Nayib Bukele, who has used a controversial approach to bring safety to a country once plagued by gang violence. Bukele’s government, in power since 2019, has implemented a “state of emergency,” suspending certain constitutional rights and arresting over 80,000 suspected gang members. While human rights groups decry these measures as authoritarian, many Salvadorans feel safer than ever before.

The streets of San Salvador, once notorious for violence, now bustle with new businesses. Victor and Blanca Bolaños, who returned to El Salvador after being deported from the U.S., reflect on the changes. “Now one feels safe,” Blanca says, as the couple runs a jewelry business from their home, something unthinkable in the past due to gang extortion. For others, like Diego Morales, who left El Salvador in 1997, the improved security is leading them to return and invest in the country’s booming real estate market.

However, Bukele’s hardline tactics have not come without criticism. The mass arrests, which include children and those with no ties to gangs, have led to accusations of human rights abuses. Juan Carlos Cornejo, arrested due to his appearance, claims he was detained for months without evidence. Despite such stories, Bukele’s popularity remains high, with many citizens prioritizing safety over civil liberties.

The future of Bukele’s policies remains uncertain, particularly with his term set to end in 2029. Many Salvadorans are concerned about what will happen once he leaves office, but for now, a large part of the population seems willing to trade some freedoms for the promise of security.