Decline in Gang Activity in El Salvador: The Impact of the State of Emergency

The state of emergency declared in El Salvador has led to a significant decline in gang activity, particularly extortion. This article highlights the key points that demonstrate the disruption caused by the government’s measures.

Gangs’ Ability to Operate Criminal Economies Disrupted

• The gangs’ ability to operate criminal economies, primarily through extortion, has been severely disrupted.
• Extortion previously represented a main source of income for many gang cells in El Salvador, with some rackets generating tens of thousands of dollars in daily revenue.

Security Forces Target Gang Networks and Collaborators

• The gangs’ networks and collaborators have been targeted by security forces during the state of emergency, making it difficult for them to continue operating extortion rackets.
• Residents in areas previously controlled by gangs report that they no longer receive extortion threats, and some residents said they had not witnessed any gang retaliation for not paying extortion fees.

Reduced Extortion Complaints

• Bus company representatives also reported that gangs have stopped charging extortion in the transport sector following the onset of the state of emergency.
• Police reported a 54% reduction in extortion complaints between January and September 11, compared to the same period in 2022.

Conclusion

While some areas still experience small-scale extortion, it is significantly reduced from pre-state-of-emergency levels. The article suggests that the state of emergency has dealt a significant blow to the gangs’ ability to operate criminal economies, primarily through extortion.