San Salvador

Vendors sell images of President Nayib Bukele during El Salvador's election campaign.

Nayib Bukele’s popularity steers him toward an unprecedented second term as president of El Salvador

In El Salvador, the official results of Sunday’s presidential elections are still not in, but that didn’t stop President Nayib Bukele from declaring victory on social media — and he looks slated to win. He was up for reelection, in a country that doesn't allow reelection in its constitution. Bukele is extraordinarily popular. But many say the future is concerning.

Nayib Bukele’s popularity steers him toward an unprecedented second term as president of El Salvador
On May 1, two large marches weaved across San Salvador in commemoration of International Workers Day. 

El Salvador president's popularity soars with controversial approach to crime

El Salvador president's popularity soars with controversial approach to crime
A young man is detained by the police, a suspect in a homicide near a market in San Salvador, El Salvador

El Salvador declares state of emergency amid killings

El Salvador declares state of emergency amid killings
A bank machine is shown in a small building with blue lighting with two people sitting on a bench nearby.

Early stumble as El Salvador starts Bitcoin as currency

Early stumble as El Salvador starts Bitcoin as currency
US border patrol apprehending migrants

As judge halts US ‘remain in Mexico’ policy, returned migrants wonder what's next

As judge halts US ‘remain in Mexico’ policy, returned migrants wonder what's next
several people with backpacks around a bus entrance. A young girl is held and looks toward the camera.

Trump’s aid cuts to Central American countries could total $700 million

The US government cut aid to Northern Triangle countries after President Donald Trump blasted the countries for sending migrants to the United States.

Trump’s aid cuts to Central American countries could total $700 million
A group of migrants cross a shallow river and met with border agents in green uniforms.

Some Salvadoran migrants look to other nations for refuge as US tightens border

For some Salvadorans, the promise of the “American Dream” has been tainted by coordinated deterrence efforts from Mexico and the United States. They're looking to places like Costa Rica for refuge — for now.

Some Salvadoran migrants look to other nations for refuge as US tightens border
Nayib Bukele speaks at a podium.

Nayib Bukele: El Salvador’s young social media star — and next president

In El Salvador, where political corruption is rampant, a young mayor with presidential aspirations catapults to the top with one simple promise: he won’t steal.

Nayib Bukele: El Salvador’s young social media star — and next president
Daniel Alemán wears a black shirt in a room with two paintings on the wall and a blurry bouquet of flowers.

The kids aren't alright — when being young is a crime in El Salvador

Innocent youth are getting swept up in El Salvador's crackdown in their war on gangs. Daniel Alemán, 23, walked free after spending over a year behind bars on trumped-up extortion charges in El Salvador. Others are not so lucky.

The kids aren't alright — when being young is a crime in El Salvador
Police interrogate a suspected gang member against a wall with his hands behind his head.

Will Trump continue Obama's program to aid Central American teens fleeing gangs?

In December 2014, the Obama administration rolled out the Central American Minors Program, which gives young people the option of asking for US asylum while still in their home country.

Will Trump continue Obama's program to aid Central American teens fleeing gangs?
Salvadoran military police stand guard outside a school in Soyapango's La Campanera neighborhood on the outskirts of San Salvador.

Here's why Salvadorans don't reach for their cellphones to record police abuse

Many Salvadorans say they're harassed and worse by heavily armed police patrolling poor neighborhoods. But few dare to use the latest technology to hold security forces accountable.

Here's why Salvadorans don't reach for their cellphones to record police abuse
13 suspected members of the 18th street gang are presented to the media after being arrested by the police in Soyapango, El Salvador in March.

Salvadoran gangs use Facebook to track down victims

Youth on the run from gangs in Central America are cautioned to check their social media settings.

Salvadoran gangs use Facebook to track down victims
Members of the Barrio 18 gang arriving at the San Francisco Gotera penitentiary April 21, 2015.

Salvadorans battle a resurgence of gang violence

In May, more Salvadorans were shot and killed than in any month since the country's civil war ended in 1992.

Salvadorans battle a resurgence of gang violence
Graffiti of the letters "MS", which stand for the street gang Mara Salvatrucha, photographed in San Salvador on April 22, 2014. Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and Calle 18 are rival gangs that started in Los Angeles but now have a heavy presence in El Salvador.

Gang violence awaits a teen from El Salvador after his failed attempts to reach the US

José has already tried to escape from El Salvador to the US this summer — twice. But he's failed each time, and now he's dodging gang violence at home while trying to make yet another attempt to leave.

Gang violence awaits a teen from El Salvador after his failed attempts to reach the US
Shadows of two men on a wall

How the US is trying to deter migrants from Central America — with music

A catchy song is getting plenty of play on Central American airwaves, but not everyone knows it was funded by the US government.

How the US is trying to deter migrants from Central America — with music