News
U.S. State Department Formally Notifies Congress It Is Effectively Dissolving USAID
WASHINGTON — The U.S. State Department formally notified Congress on Friday that it is moving forward with dissolving the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The move is part of a broader cost-cutting initiative led by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The State Department will take over some … Read more
El Salvador’s Economy Grows 2.6% in 2024: A Year of Mixed Performance
El Salvador’s economy grew by 2.6% in 2024, according to data released by the Salvadoran Central Reserve Bank (BCR). The growth signals indicate continued economic growth, but the increase fell short of last year’s predictions; the Central Reserve Bank predicted an estimated economic growth rate between 3% and 3.5% for … Read more
The 12th Jocote Baron Rojo Festival in San Lorenzo, Ahuachapan, Is Set for Sunday, March 30
SAN LORENZO, El Salvador — Thousands of visitors are expected to gather in the San Lorenzo district on Sunday, March 30, for the 12th annual Jocote Barón Rojo Festival, a celebration of the region’s renowned fruit. Organized by the Ahuachapán North mayor’s office, the festival will begin at 9 a.m. … Read more
Terrorism Confinement Center CECOT: El Salvador’s Mega-Prison Housing Thousands of Gang Members
El Salvador’s Mega-Prison, or the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), is one of the world’s largest high-security facilities, designed to house over 40,000 inmates, primarily gang members, under strict surveillance and extreme security measures. Built under President Nayib Bukele’s administration, CECOT was created to house violent criminals and gang members—who will … Read more
IDHUCA: El Salvador Has the World’s Highest Incarceration Rate
SAN SALVADOR — El Salvador has the highest incarceration rate in the world, with nearly 2% of its population behind bars, according to a report presented Wednesday by the Human Rights Institute of the Central American University (IDHUCA) and other non-governmental organizations. The report, released at a press conference in … Read more
Relatives of People Detained During the State of Exception Call for Their Release
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador — Hundreds of relatives of people detained under El Salvador’s State of Exception marched Thursday to demand the release of their loved ones and the repeal of the emergency measure, which marks its third anniversary. Demonstrators gathered in José Martí Square, also known as Don Rúa … Read more
Salvadoran Navy Seizes 1.3 Tons of Cocaine in High-Seas Operation
LA PAZ, El Salvador — The Salvadoran Navy seized 1.3 tons of cocaine valued at approximately $32.5 million from three vessels in a maritime operation off the Salvadoran coast, officials said Wednesday. The seizure occurred on March 26, about 507 nautical miles southwest of the El Cordoncillo mouth of the … Read more
El Salvador State of Exception: A Security Measure Implemented to Fight Gangs
El Salvador State of Exception is a harsh security measure that suspends certain constitutional rights to combat gang violence. It grants authorities expanded powers for arrests and prolonged detentions without immediate judicial oversight. The measure began in late March 2022 as a response to a surge in gang-related homicides—87 people … Read more
Legislative Assembly Approves $113.9M Loan for Surf City Infrastructure Development
SAN SALVADOR, El Salvador – March 25, 2025 — In a move set to propel the country’s coastal tourism and infrastructure growth, the Salvadoran Legislative Assembly today ratified a loan agreement with the Central American Integration Bank (CABEI) for $113.9 million. The loan was approved in today’s 49th plenary session. … Read more