How El Salvador Destroyed their Brutal Gangs

How did El Salvador destroy their gangs? The story of Gang violence in El Salvador isn’t safely tucked far away in Central America like you might think. It’s effects have spread to the United States where the Salvadoran gang M13 has grown exponentially. Prisons have become overcrowded and filled. 70,000 people were arrested. How did the Cold War and influx of arms into the country change the dynamic? We look at the situation from multiple points of view and perspectives to dive deep into the historical and modern day aspects.
Written by: Chris Cappy & Diego Aceituno
Edited by: Savvy Studios
/ cappyarmy
/ cappyarmy
The story of gang violence in El Salvador is a warning to everyone about the steps a country will go to if a domestic security problem is not addressed and allowed to fester for too long.
Nearly 20,000 people were killed in El Salvador by gang violence from 2014 to 2017 and the country was known as one of the most dangerous places in the entire world. Meanwhile the solution to destroying these gangs has forced us to ask ourselves uncomfortable questions about choosing between freedom and security. El Salvador itself is not a large country at only 21,000 square kilometers, making it roughly the size of my state of New Jersey. With 6.5 million people living in El Salvador the nation is the smallest yet most densely packed country in all of Central America. Looking at the natural beauty of the nation you would be surprised to learn it has dealt with decades of ugly civil war, gang violence, and poverty. Due to this around 20% of the country’s citizenry now live abroad in other Latin American countries and the US. Part of El Salvador's geopolitical importance comes from the fact that they are located on the coast of the Pacific near important shipping lanes and they neighbor countries that are close to the Panama canal. Instability could and has in the past quickly overflowed into neighboring countries.
El Salvador is way more closely intertwined with the United States than you might think. Total trade between the two was $6.7 billion in 2021 and 2.5 million Salvadorans call the US home. Remittances from Salvadorans who live and work in the United States totaled a whopping $7.1 billion in 2021 which makes up literally 25% of El Salvador's entire GDP.
What are Remittances? Remittances are when migrants send part of their money they earn back home to support their families. Due in part to this the USA and El Salvador tied by the hip in an economic common law union. The relationship between them is so tight that El Salvador was actually one of the only Latin American nations to join the U.S. military coalition in the 2003 war in Iraq. If that’s not in sickness and in health I don’t know what is.
Stability in El Salvador is pretty important to the US for a few reasons. One of them being that El Salvador's international airport is one of only two in all of Latin America that the U.S. military is authorized to conduct anti-narcotics missions from. That’s pretty important if you ask me. The US also has an interest in keeping immigration levels at a certain rate and violence and instability in the country can send those rates up. By the end of 2022, the global number of asylum-seekers and refugees from El Salvador had reached over 200,000 people. US military assistance to El Salvador was about $15 million between 2016 and 2020 to help address the gang violence. But In 2020 that aid stopped partly because of criticisms about a perception that the country was sliding into authoritarianism. The reason for that slide has to do with their fight against Gang Violence.
#WAR #POLICE #SECURITY

[@Taskandpurpose]

El Salvador's drastic measures and solutions to the gang problem might serve as a model for replication by Ecuador and other Latin American countries. What do you think of their approach? Is it authoritarian, or are these necessary steps to defeat brutal gangs running amok instagram.com/cappyarmy/ twitter.com/Cappyarmy

[@somerandomboibackup6086]

No gang no bang

[@razvanciobotaru3089]

Can you make a video about War on drugs in Ecuador from the beginning to 2024 Ecuadorian conflict.

[@congnghequansuvn474]

the answer is quite simple, how could you have liberty and freedom when you are dead? and admitted, people of El Salvador enjoy more freedom, free from the fear of gang violent

[@julianshepherd2038]

​@@somerandomboibackup6086😂. Now the army is the gang.

[@julianshepherd2038]

​@@congnghequansuvn474next the army wipes out the political opposition and does a deal with the cartels

[@vinigomez598]

El Salvador is a different country, unrecognizable, business booming, people having parties until very late, women walking alone at night, people using laptops at bus stations, I mean, that was insane just a year ago! Only someone who has face that level violence and insecurity can understand how precious safety is.

[@holyX]

The woke globalists are raging and fuming at this. If there is one thing they hate is countries succeeding without their help

[@johnnotrealname8168]

You misunderstand, that is freedom!

[@etholus1000]

As an American I love hearing this! I'm so glad you citizens of El Salvador can feel safe in your own home. I loosely have this same sense of security in America, things aren't as safe as it was where I live. But I couldn't imagine the terror you had to go through for far too long

[@TheBooban]

@@etholus1000you’re indicating all countries should follow el Salvador’s lead and get tough on crime. The west has been pathetic in their attitude towards crime.

[@etholus1000]

@@TheBooban How am I indicating that what so ever? I'm just happy that he can go outside without the fear of being robbed or murdered. You are imagining a whole different discussion in your head.

[@oldredbeard1446]

A friend of mine is a Salvadoran living in the US, and he loves what's happened in his country. He told me it's finally safe to go home and visit.

[@catsandalcohol99]

Same. I'm a Mexican-American and my Salvadoran and Salvadoran-American friends have told me it's pretty much very safe to go now.

[@Parpyduck]

I rent a room in Canada with Salvadoran immigrant family. They love what Bukele has done and literally just got back this morning from a 2-month long Christmas vacation to family back home. This was inconceivable before Bukele.

[@jakleo337]

@@Parpyduck Why didn't they STAY there?

[@davsan315]

​@@jakleo337a lot of salvadorans had just started to return. However, many are still waiting to see if it is for real.

[@AlbertCamus-r6i]

Just tell him to not get any tattoos prior to his visit.

[@kbye4440]

Had a Salvadoran cab driver say to me that I was his last ride. He was moving back. He mentioned his love for this president and happy knowing that his family (in El Salvador) can walk about the streets without fear.

[@johnsoutherland3403]

Good, get the freak out of here!

[@kbye4440]

@@johnsoutherland3403 lol MAGAs won’t want you either mate

[@FirstLast-mj7pt]

@@johnsoutherland3403I hope you have a daughter and she brings home an illegal immigrant

[@johnsoutherland3403]

@@FirstLast-mj7pt it is people and opinions such as yourself that is why there is going to be another civil war in the United States.

[@pac-ec3gx]

​@johnsoutherland3403 don't worry as I write this comment thousands of immigrants are pouring in so that one guy that you were glad he left was just replaced right now by the thousands

[@Hp-dg3he]

I left El Salvador in 1982 at the age of 12 yo, in the mist of the civil war. I saw things no little boy or child should ever see and I am surprised I have never needed therapy. I have never been back and have no desire to ever go back, at least for now. I might’ve been born there and I do not deny my birth place, but I consider the U.S. my country. El Salvador never gave me anything but poverty, hunger, misery. The U.S. has given me everything and it is the reason of who I am today. I am happy with what Bukele has done for El Salvador and its citizens and I wish them the best.

[@kongbanana8947]

Do you have someone you tell everything you saw ? I don't know how someone survives a war without developing PTSD.

[@Hp-dg3he]

@@kongbanana8947 I have never had nightmares about the things I saw and I have been able to talk to people about my experiences. Most people are always surprised because they have this assumption that I come from a family with money, don’t know why, maybe because I am educated and successful but I have worked very hard for everything. The only thing that always brings me back to those days, is when I hear a helicopter. I remember seeing helicopters, on many occasions, shooting from above, to what I assume to this date, at the guerillas. But then again, death squads used to kill innocent civilians. In any case, maybe because I was so young, I have been able to suppress those memories for all these years.

[@thetest8777]

Me I dealt with pstd from El slavador freaking potential volcanic eruptions and seeing bodies when I was 4 or 5 years old back in 2000 was crazy. No wonder im so much into guns and war 😂 crazy but back then It was hel for me

[@joelfernando1]

​@@Hp-dg3hedeath squads backed by your loved america! And thats how you turn a country into a mess and strip said country off all its precious: the people.

[@freshdirty27]

I am Salvadorian exactly what happened to me and my family i couldn't agree with you more. I consider myself 100% American and, haven't been back since i was 3. Going end of march take my mother back to her home and maybe buy some land.

[@thatjakeshow]

Bukele is doing the right thing and it's showing. Crime rates in Salvador are at an all time low and neighboring countries are imitating his approach. This man is a legend

[@mikes.2471]

We need someone like Bukele to run for office. US way too soft on crime.

[@glennaguon5165]

@@mikes.2471 It's not that we're soft on crime. It's that the prison system in the US is a monopoly. It was intended to be penilized system but quickly turned into a multi-billion dollar business. Why do you think the "rehab systems" barely works. If they are even implemented in the prison. Majority of them, just release a person with little to no help. So it's easier for people to who just got out to go back in. They get a roof over their head and food in their stomach at vertually no cost to them.

[@robert-h2x]

@@mikes.2471 because of all the rights criers

[@hi_lol1912]

Eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

[@yaboiN3O9]

I hope my country of birth (Mexico) gets someone like Bukele for president

[@glennparker2840]

I've been visiting El Salvador since 2016. Coming from Australia. The government needed to do something. Salvadoran people are beautiful and deserve freedom. It's too easy to criticise from the outside. The president has done the right thing. Just hope he keeps the democracy going.

[@TheKevJung]

Hope Europe is safe too

[@cowmath77]

Europe won’t be for long. Their new sandy friends that won’t assimilate seem to be causing lots of issues.

[@JeffreyAllanBackowski]

Lies.

[@oldskoolmusicnostalgia]

Westerners have this romanticized idea of gangs as loveable rogues fighting hard against government injustice. They have no idea what it's like for ordinary citizens to live under the rule of gangs.

[@Nr.7-Seven]

Thats the whole point, its okey what he did for that period of time. But now he himself is turning the country in a military dictature where people get opressed by the military nearly the same was as they were before by the gangs. Sure under a military opression there is at least not such a huge violence as by some mob based gangs that rival each other, still it tramples the rights of the citizen and if you get on the bad side of the military by disobeying (maybe they themselves now collect money from store owners) you are quickly arrestes, punished or murdered without any trial. So Elsalvador, despite feeling more safe than before now needs to watch their human rights to not end up in a military dictature forever. There is a point where the president need to let go, but often in such situations they feel like they are the only one that is doing the right thing and dont let go off the power. Best example for this is Sadam Husseins regime. Coming to power by eliminating the terrorists and stabilizing the country with the help of the US, just to then become a dictator that reclessly killed any resistance that only fought to get some human rights back. Then getting the feeling of being all mighty and declerare war on neighbor countries. Just to end up being removed by the US again and the following presidency being unable to controll the land causing it to fall back in its former terror state. So if we predict future based on this we can see that the ElSalvador president will become a cruel dictator that then will start war on neighboring countries or will be like Belarus, anyways, being so close to the US the US will be forced to wipe him out which again will open the doors for corruption and gangs. So his best option is to slowly getting closer to democracy again while establishing a new mentality in his country, educate people and reduce poverty, so by the time he let go off the power and return ElSalvador to a free democracy state the people will be educated enough and have a high enough lifestyle to refuse to fall into unneccessary gang violence. Lets hope for the best.

[@ReallyRealBenMills]

Something important to mention - the reason that Bukele's government raided the anti-corruption office was that it was staffed with people from the previous party system that had ruled El Salvador and were commonly perceived as being paid off by the gangs. The office was also investigating Bukele for impeachment or a coup on their behalf. TL;DR: The anti-corruption office was widely believed to be held by corrupt people.

[@matsv201]

This is fairly typical in all nepotism organisation. Who ever is top of the chain is the one that is stacked with the most nepotistic people. And that is typically a sort of "checks and balances" organisation that only do checks never do balances. Of cause when they self get investigated they scream bloody murder.

[@john2432]

I wouldn’t act like Bukele isn’t. He’s incredibly shady

[@solarnaut]

@@john2432 ... " POWER CORRUPTS " . . . & . . . . . . "Great Men Are Almost Always Bad Men " . . . Who Knew ? . . . Well, among others, that guy in the 1800s opposing "papal infallibility" doctrine.

[@brucemace5404]

And it was completely corrupt from top to bottom

[@jacksonreginald4735]

@@john2432no he’s not

[@michaelbarton4138]

Sometimes drastic measures must be taken for drastic results. My stepdad is from El Salvador and I’ve never seen him happier about the state and safety his country has now. I’ve been there many times myself and the changes are nothing short of amazing.

[@alexhernandez9918]

Salvadorean here. To add some context gangs even influenced pollings. They took hostage of people’s ID in red zones so they couldn’t vote. Both right wing and left wing failed to put a solution to gangs. Both negotiated with gangs instead of solving the problem until Bukele came. Although Im critical of some of his actions, he did put an end to gang violence here. The country finally feels safe. Around 2015 there were more deaths and people lost per day here than Afganistan.

[@foxale08]

At the very least you have a starting point for the future now.

[@extanegautham8950]

and yet ppl want Israel to negotiate with the Hamas Islamist terrorist gang...you cannot.

[@TheBooban]

@@foxale08until he starts releasing the prisoners…

[@alexhernandez9918]

@@TheBooban some are allegedly starving or dying from diseases.

[@alexhernandez9918]

@@foxale08 Yes mate.

[@TKainZero]

Had an el salvadorian co-worker, he could not stop raving about how great El Salvador is now. To go from the most dangerous/violent country in the americas to the safest one in just a few years is hard to fathom.

[@SLCtica]

The president put down his foot and started indefinitely jailing gang members-people say it’s a human rights violation to do this - to which Salvadoran president Bukele rebuttals that the gang members are violating the Salvadoran people’s human rights.

[@necr0danc3r29]

@@SLCtica Honestly, only time will tell if the measures taken were worth it. Many others have already failed to pull back from the abyss that is authoritarianism. I hope El Salvador doesn't join them.

[@JeffreyAllanBackowski]

Sure you did.

[@TKainZero]

You think everyone is just lying about knowing people from el Salvador, and making up stories about how much better it is there?@@JeffreyAllanBackowski

[@JeffreyAllanBackowski]

@@TKainZero Lol

[@matthewenriquez8938]

As a salvi native, it’s great to see more and more coverage of my country.

[@intergalacticchicano]

If only my motherland's ( Mexico)president was as chingon as yours

[@matthewenriquez8938]

@@intergalacticchicano I do believe because he’s young and tired of a blood shed county. A lot of us have families members that fought in the civil war; a lot of us are tired and just want to visit our families without fear. Just need a leader willing to push for change, even if it’s unpopular.

[@Dukester0514]

Didn’t he have a 96% approval rate after he implemented it.

[@JoshuaC923]

I'm sorry your country is only talked about due to these issues, hope the best for you guys!

[@intergalacticchicano]

@@Dukester0514 if you go to Spanish speaking news about El Salvador and their president, most Latin Americans praise homeboy. My best friend is from El Salvador, he and his family escaped the civil war back in the 80s I think, he said his family can actually go back and visit their homeland

[@JimNorkas-qx4nt]

I like what Bukele said to countries that whined about the massive arrests."You care about these people,send planes. How many you want 5000? 10,000?"

[@vickijohnson3664]

So well put!! What a guy, what a leader!!

[@jlukiss3050]

Very witty and savage 👏

[@rhymeswithRihanna]

Only the envious are critics!

[@caseclosed9342]

Or when he said, “don’t call yourself a journalist when you’re really an activist!”

[@antonia9426]

Well done 👏🏿 BUKELE

[@malditomalo619]

I support that President. I am Mexican and I do believe that sometimes steps like this are definitely needed to bring back peace

[@bzipoli]

hey, brother, brazilian here. we share much of the same problems. not saying it's my case, i won't get into that, but A LOT of people saying we need someone "like a bukele". not a majority by any means, but growing

[@stnln2180]

​@@drKZbinr315 If he were corrupted he would do nothing but a lips service...

[@asiangaming8409]

@@drKZbinr315dictatorship is fine if the leader is good, I support El Salvador

[@cormano64]

It's been two years. If he's persecuting people investigating corruption in his ranks, he's just stalling to keep power. In that case, he didn't care about fighting crime. He just wanted to get rid of the competition.

[@nicolaasstempels8207]

A choice between the pest and cholera. Seriously, if a country falls into complete gang anarchy, there are not that many options. Look at eg. Haitir.

[@gunner3921]

My closest friends are el Salvadoran. They cry with joy now because 2-3 times a year they can be with their families and enjoy things again. He was telling me how he can now go to the beach, go to clubs and parties, and even walk down the street with his phone out without the fear of being mugged or executed. He has plans to open a winery in El Salvador this fall. Think about how crazy that is.

[@ohauss]

Yeah, it's crazy to believe that going there two to three times a year is the same as living there...

[@Ben-iz9ud]

​@@ohaussa lot of people are able to go back for the first time in decades... going even once wasn't worth it. To be able to go back to your home and see your family is a big thing

[@spacewalktraveller1]

It's great news that the people are happy, and I hope your friend makes a great business, it is what the country needs.

[@gunner3921]

@@Ben-iz9ud they don’t understand.

[@yukiteruamano9192]

@@Ben-iz9udpeople who never needed to leave their home country due to violent crimes will never understand.

[@JasonMartinez-h4r]

my dad left in 1979 his best friend was castrated and hung from a post with a letter stating who the death squad would kill next. My dad was a university student and fled to USA. after the war ended we would visit. i would go during summer vacation every few years. i hated not being able to go outside by myself. I visited twice last year and it was like an entirely different country. my parents live on my grandpas farm and love it. they will be voting for Bukele soon.

[@JoJo-gr1rp]

Was there this past October after not being there since 96, you're right it's completely night and day now

[@dodgyyoutuber9560]

My gosh your poor dad. Did they have a “reason”?

[@JasonMartinez-h4r]

university students, people who knew how to read or even wore glasses were seen as agitators my dad was a student organizer @@dodgyyoutuber9560

[@V.E.R.O.]

​@@dodgyyoutuber9560Probably suspected of being part of the guerrilla, a lot of university students were involved in that. My neighbor was taken out in the middle of the night for the same reason, the next morning on my way to school I found his body on the sidewalk with a shot under his jaw.

[@dodgyyoutuber9560]

@@V.E.R.O. jeez. I am so lucky for the life i have. There’s no excuse for torture.

[@dlmcc0202]

as an American it sickens me to see that we just can’t stop destroying other countries and then our government gets mad when a leader comes along that puts his nation first and tries to fix it. Good for El Salvador turning the corner for their people

[@IncanTek24]

Americans should realize...it's their government's foreign policies that bring such a large number of migrants and foreign violence into their country.

[@gmo882]

salvadoran here, Bukele has given the country something that people could only dream of, security security security. people are free to go wherever they want now. without the fear of being killed just for being on the wrong side of the sidewalk. people are no longer prisoners in their own communities. people aren't afraid to open a little business now, as they do not have to pay extortion $$ to gangs. great video btw

[@seekrengr751]

Ironically, what you have described is not just "security", it is freedom. Salvadorans are free because they are secure to do everything you mentioned. So rather than the misapplied Franklin quote from Cappy, a better one would be that of US founder John Adams on our US Constitution: "Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious People. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other." With civil liberties comes civil responsibility - when the populace behaves responsibly and not criminally, they can be entrusted with great liberties. I pray Salvadorans continue to choose to do right.

[@Tom-yo7zf]

God bless El Salvador, the nation named after the Lord Jesus Christ!

[@zifengyang6586]

But the US doesn't like the changes. 😅

[@atomsk1972]

There was very little "liberty" with the gangs. A family member who went back said it is like night and day - restaurants and shops are open in the evening, and people walk the street with their children again.

[@necr0danc3r29]

All we can do is hope it stays that way. As it stands, precedent for radical expansion of government authority is now established in El Salvador. Regardless of how desperate they were in resorting to such measures, Pandora's Box has already been opened and Salvadorans will have to be VERY watchful of their government for the foreseeable future.

[@FirstStepTravelers]

I was just there, the country seemed super safe. I walked around the streets and there were police everywhere, new street lights on all off the blocks, people were really nice. Was talking to an older gentlemen who told me he finally got his home back after 8 years. Gangs came in and just kicked him out and made some very serious threats if he resisted. People seem happy about the changes there.

[@YTStopCensoringFreedomOfspeech]

@@jonatand2045 This is a problem beyond El Savador. The criminal groups all want the money mostly from sales that lead to product being sold to the US. If the US had a effective manner of reducing drug use. These criminal groups would lose a lot of money. However, I suspect that the US doesn't want to solve this problem at all. There is no framework for dealing with addicts in the US at all. No system in place to hold addicts accountable to rehab or to reduce their ability to get the drugs once they develop a addiction and are identified as addicts.

[@houssedecouette4056]

​@@jonatand2045 Sure buddy the drug trade is what makes the extortion strong 😂

[@500ccRabbit]

​@@jonatand2045 Oh can it you freshman

[@johnshite4656]

​@@houssedecouette4056 The cartels would have no business if not for the War on Drugs, which was started by the criminal Nixon and then spread to the rest of the world. ALL of the revenue that cartels get comes from illegal activities such as production and distribution of various narcotics. Where these narcotics are not illegal there is no need for organized crime to sell it. Just look at marijuana legalization, you now have a thriving industry that pays taxes and does not create crime. Trying to ban these things in the first place is how these gangs get their foot in the door. You should look into the history of alcohol prohibition in the US, it's exactly the same story. Go educate yourself, stop being a tool.

[@johnshite4656]

@@500ccRabbit Make a counter-argument or can it yourself. You think you're smart? Let's see it.

[@thomasmccarthy419]

My father's side of the family immigrated to Canada in the 80's. They fought against the government during the civil war. The stories are pretty gruesome. I'm glad that I was able to understand what they lived a bit better, and also why they never wanted to go back. Thank you for this video

[@mrdiego4368]

Heard stories of how every Christmas, the gangs would demand a “Christmas bonus” from the bus drivers they were extorting. The people of El Salvador have allowed the strict rules if that means some level of peace. Good video essay.

[@asdfgh9985]

​@@etienne8110But there were no freedoms before. Being ruled by murderous drug gangs is no freedom.

[@Mumbamumba]

@etienne8110: "a little security"...

[@blacklight4720]

What does that have to do with the comment? ​@@etienne8110

[@Aaron-rx6ez]

@@etienne8110 Isn't this just a paraphrase of Franklins quote in the video? Like the creator said, Franklin wasn't dealing with a country full of murderous gang members.

[@Dean-k2n]

They would rather be alive, then free. Poor dumb bastards!!! ................................. Fire or flood...your life will not be the same. ................................. Your BEST video! Great subject, clearly explained. Great graphics and historical timing. ..........,..... I forgot, the cool uniform and weapon, of the

[@CaptainObvio]

Laying on a hammock here in ES right now. I haven’t been here in decades. The difference is night and day. I used to wear my most ragged clothing here in the country so as to avoid being targeted. It’s strange now to walk around having money on me and not worrying about being robbed. My uncles tell me the rules of law has been returned to the streets and the only gang activity that occurs is undercover like in the rest of North America.

[@longsleevethong1457]

Stay there

[@Figure9Gaming]

@@longsleevethong1457 sad little boy

[@longsleevethong1457]

@@Figure9Gaming lol…ok gamer

[@BaritoneMonkey]

​@@longsleevethong1457and just like that, the creeps and racists come crawling out of the woodwork

[@tylerchapman9234]

I'm glad that you have the common sense to appreciate what your new president is doing. You must not be a leftist. However it's not racist to suggest you stay there now it's safe.

[@hierax49]

Freedom can't exist without security. Security is a prerequisite to freedom.

[@pmpowalisz]

Too much security can also mean little to no freedom.

[@Based_Is_Best]

So is freedom of speech and unified, positive values

[@Draelyn]

Freedom isn't free, it is bought and paid for in blood.

[@apodaca309]

My man or woman thank you

[@SantomPh]

Security needs to bring peace, not end up bringing terror

[@izzy3166]

The hell with the critics and rest of the world! You did what needed to be done and now your people FINALLY feel safe! Congrats on EARNING your REELECTION!

[@shadowmaydawn]

It's easy to say that when you are not the victim of those policies.

[@izzy3166]

@@shadowmaydawn 🤣Don’t join or associate yourself with the gangs and maybe you won’t feel sooo “victimized”!

[@shadowmaydawn]

@@izzy3166 I am referring to the innocent people who got swept up as well.

[@izzy3166]

@@shadowmaydawn I seriously doubt that most of those people were innocent. There is always going to be collateral damage, when it comes to cleaning up a country. The country is heading in the right direction, regardless. The majority of the people are happy being able to walk in their own country, while feeling SAFE.

[@shadowmaydawn]

@izzy3166 As I said previously, it is easy to say this when you are not one of those victims.

[@j22mattones]

I know a family from El Salvador. They moved here because of all of the violence. The father is a licensed Architect and Engineer in El Salvador, but in America he's a day laborer, an extremely talented one at that. He and his family packed 1 bag each and fled to the airport to leave for America. Because he was a licensed professional there, he and his family was targeted to pay the tax because he didn't have a brick & mortar store, he worked from home. They left at 2 different times. His wife, oldest son, and 2 daughters left first and got established in the US. Several months later, He and his youngest son had their opportunity and fled in the middle of the night. They left everything; their home, their cars, their belongings, their pets, anything that couldn't fit into a bag and look like they were going on vacation was left behind. They've made a new life in the US. They're a wonderful family, and the US is better off because of their contributions to our community. Thier father works for a friend of mine and he buys old rundown buildings and breathes new life into all of them.

[@hoardroarklaughed]

The 🇺🇸 dream right there!

[@bpnk5237]

Cant he get job as engineer?

[@Forsakendestinity320]

@@bpnk5237 no, he would need to start his education in the usa

[@DavidWales-v5k]

There are ways to get licensed in the U.S. for him. I'm sure he is pursuing these paths unless his education in El Salvador was really sketchy. Then he wouldn't pass an American licensing exam

[@askmemum]

@@DavidWales-v5k he got it from MS 13 University so I don’t know

[@PedroGonzalez-ck5ct]

My best friend is from El Salvador, we both came to the US for a better life, they way he talked about the state of his country was heartbreaking, now he only wishes to go back and visit as now it’s safe to go, I don’t care how drastic measures are, if that means people get to live a happy and safe life, I will support it.

[@fumky4768]

Unfortunately there’s no wonder solution to the shit sty that is Latin America, and it certainly isn’t sticking a bunch of people in jail. Sure it’ll be a extremely effective short term solution but do NOT be surprised and if things go to they were (perhaps not as drastically)

[@thatjakeshow]

Totally agree 💯

[@thecaptaintaz420]

I waa born in el Salvador in 1985 during the war. My father was killed, and my adopted sisters father was executed by socialist guerrillas. Its so odd to see where i come from and to see my life is now. My mother adopted me and brought me to America. Though ive made sine mistakes with my life, im still blesses and honored to be here and i didnt have to grow up there. Hope to visit someday and thanks to the president it looks like it may be possible ❤ But for America baby!!🇺🇸

[@DuranDuran31]

I'm sorry for the loss of your family members. Hopefully this can help

[@ModernHistory1]

Didnt the US support right wing militias that killed hundreds of thousands of civilians or was that Honduras?

[@accesstw28]

You need not to worry about you mistakes. When I took trigonometry class I made plenty of mistakes. Tangent, cosine and sine, and my particular problem was with tangent. Because tangent has to do with rate of change. And tangent line prediction are very important in many aspects of life.

[@ok-cr3yd]

@@accesstw28 That's not tangential to the topic at hand in the slightest.

[@rbb.828]

🥺🙏

[@bezerah3695]

My coworkers are Salvadorian refugees from the war the happiness in their voices when they talk about how safe the country is now brought a smile to my face.

[@_DB.COOPER]

Hopefully they all go back!

[@bezerah3695]

@@_DB.COOPER not up for you or me to decide.

[@_DB.COOPER]

@@bezerah3695 but it is, you see I vote kid! Smh…

[@bluehoser3396]

@@_DB.COOPERew

[@gustavobarrera564]

Theres one thing outsider analysts always miss: If youre a native salvadorean, you know exactly who is a gang member, since they speak, behave, move, act, and dress completely different to any honest civ. So its not like the police is incarcerating honest regular joes. As a native salvie, you have this 6th sense to identify mareros. Ive been stopped and search by the police 4 times since all of this started (I live in a "red" area), but police inmediately know Im a regular civ.

[@moobles2998]

Bureaucracy and conscious judgement based on gathered evidence has stripped and obscured the very real 'gut-feeling' of regular civilians in western societies. Someone who is dangerous will be incredibly noticeable to any with a developed gut-feeling. Instinct and gut-feeling is how we protected ourselves for the majority of our existence. That stranger with a false-smile, who's got something obscured down his pant-leg? Dangerous. That stranger with the genuine smile, who's got a backpack full of grain for his family. A trustworthy person. Police and military in contact with gangs get their gut-feelings sharpened, or they die. Eventually you just 'know' based on where a person looks, how they talk, how they walk, how they smile or don't smile, what they choose to wear and a number of other factors. Of course it is not a perfect system, mistakes do happen, and that's when judicial process must come to correct it. To gather evidence and make a conscious decision. But for any with a gut feeling, it's very very abundantly clear when someone is a dangerous element.

[@xhagast]

Heard the police let go 8000 people arrested by mistake. Bad they took them, good they let them go.

[@moobles2998]

Agreed! All mistakes ought to be rectified when possible, and compensation issued.@@xhagast

[@luislongoria6621]

Some people panic and become targeted. Look at the criminals in America where fleeing detainment is a kind of game

[@danielthunder9876]

I imagine the ones that have not been rounded up are on the run or in hiding. They wouldn't dare go back to crime in that environment.

[@darvinrecinos7155]

I am one of many salvadorans that refused to leave my country in despite of the horrible things that happened here. Now Im sure that time gave me the reason to stick to my decision to stay. Now we working for a brighter future for our beloved El Salvador. Come and see you urself if u wanna visit.

[@nicholassorto1861]

Hey it's really good to know that you decided to stay back and hold on with your family. My parents fled from El Salvador in 88' to flee the war. I recently went back to visit with my family and it's really beautiful to know that how much that country has grown and prospered and I hate how much left and right political American media tries to slander Nayib but when I was there the people loved him like if he was trump 😂

[@DSPHistoricalSociety]

I have all the respect in the world for you. Often have I wondered why others don't stay and fight to make their country better

[@graysonmacdonald]

Where is a the best city/area to visit?

[@darvinrecinos7155]

it depends on what you looking for as tourist and your budget, for example, the western side with volcanoes and colonial towns, the modern city of san salvador, surf city to the south, the north with colonial towns where you live the essence of the salvadorean life or the east side with wild and virgin pacific beaches to do some surfing. @@graysonmacdonald

[@david9783]

Yes! it's all beautiful.@@graysonmacdonald

[@MrcoAu11]

As a salvadoran man who had to immigrate to different country because the violence in El Salvador was overwhelming I have to say that your video is amazing, very complete and professional giving the right previous context to people from different countries can understand better how was the Salvadorian reality and turned so bad. I went to visit my country just a month ago and the safety sensation was like in Canada or some Europeans countries. Thanks a lot for this quality content!

[@thelordismyshepherd05]

Did you vote already? ❤❤

[@YThates]

I am so happy for you sir, I'm happy for everyone who feels safety

[@Karlswebb]

@@gregstreuberAsylum seekers are not illegal immigrants. Does that make sense to you yet? You’d leave too if you were at risk of death everyday. You’re not actually John Wick.

[@raul5081]

​@@gregstreuber"fighting for your own country" lol I wish I was this naive to believe life in fcked up counties is easy to improve

[@jonasMasterCraft]

@@gregstreuber How do you know he is illegally in the us?

[@REDTEAMLAW]

Surgery is invasive. But the patient live.

[@Birdylockso]

True. You can't make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

[@spivvo]

There must be a lot of young men regretting getting a gang tattoo.

[@shrimpkins]

Well, there goes my weekend...@decimusvitae

[@dbongo1]

It wa nice of them to identify themselves. lol

[@jacktripas6180]

Nadie se hacia tatuajes de la ms o 18 porque los mismos miembros reales te asesinaban por hacerte pasar por uno de ellos

[@theblackcatgirl7013]

There's a saying: Live by the gun, Die by the gun. They get their tattoos for many reasons but one of the reasons are that they know they're not getting out of this life.

[@shrimpkins]

Unlike me, as I plan to live forever; doing pretty good so far...@@theblackcatgirl7013

[@FredLo44]

As someone who grew up in Mexico and serve in the u.s military. I feel I have a right to say this, it is easy for someone who has a full belly, in a comfortable home, and in a country where crime is taken seriously to judge another completely different country for their actions. Imagine yourself living in that country, you would be exactly like them if you were in their shoes. Desperate for change and a chance to live a happy and healthy life.

[@RM-pg4js]

It is what it is.

[@haggeoromero]

Sure, if your country is populated by a population that is in the thrall of whatever strongman. Latin America is doomed to the fate of the dictatorships and violence because that’s the language they understand, violence. Now the violence is turned on the gangs, later the violence is turned onto any of the population who dissent or oppose the dictatorship. This has been the pattern for centuries and it will not change. Bukele is nothing new, he only seems new to a befooled and disoriented population crushed under capitalism and political corruption. I was in El Salvador in 1980-81 and I fear those days will return.

[@CHAAAAAOTIC]

Yeah exactly. My perspective as a westerner is that I think morally it’s very dubious but honestly it seems like the only solution and I’m glad it’s worked. I just hope Bukele gives up his extra powers and doesn’t go full dictator.

[@bellinghammond]

In the mid 19th century American Southwest, "vigilante justice" happened with some frequency, wherever the "Bad Guys" got too far out of control

[@phillharrison7333]

Yes man Who cares what hypocritic outsiders have to say about things that they couldn't or more likely wouldn't do themselves. There are so many hypocritic virtue signallers out there

[@mikeluna2026]

One thing people outside El Salvador don't understand is that before Bukele the justice system and prisons were broken (or well, before his party, Nuevas Ideas, got majority in congress). Gang members would get caught but be given disproportionately short sentences by corrupt judges. Not only that, they were given extra nice food, allowed laptops, cellphones, and were at times even brought pr0stitut3s... For gang members prisons were more like club houses than an actual punishment. They did not fear getting arrested and would practically mock the situation when it happened (often posing and doing hand signs when their arrest was televised). Honestly the guards had it way worse than the inmates... Angry foreign politicians don't seem to get they were demanding us to use a broken tool. Like dismantling a machine with only the handle of a screwdriver...

[@jonahtennant9816]

Mexican cartel members are treated the same way in prison. They aren’t scared to get incarcerated because they run everything in Mexico and everyone that works in the institutions are on cartel’s payroll. In Mexico they call prison “school”. They take there time incarcerated to become better criminals. I mean think about it how the fuck did el chapo get away with digging a tunnel to his cell😂😂 how did no one notice that happening lmao everyone in power is in on the corruption. United States just has the media on there side to deceive the masses

[@aaronmontgomery2055]

No, they did understand. They just don't care. It is about putting a face on and not actually caring about people. They did the same thing when Duarte did it. They either don't actually care or care because they want you to stay unstable to help them.

[@christopherstmarin]

They tried the other ways. Compassion. Reason. Common ground and nothing worked. Some people are just shitty and all you can do is protect those who are good or those who can and want to be good.

[@lambertlum1087]

@@aaronmontgomery2055 Stable countries are the best US allies. The Marshall plan restored a Europe impoverished by World War 2, eventually leading to the creation of NATO. You can't create a NATO with countries of unstable political systems.

[@aaronmontgomery2055]

@@lambertlum1087 However to create a hierocracy for the world economy we need lower countries. For the US it is good for our southern neighbors to be stable but not so for the European countries as it would create a more insular economy for the western hemisphere.

[@LuisAvilesMusic]

Great Journalism my man! You did your homework on the actual facts. There's no way to understand a conflict if you never look back at how it started. I'm Salvadoran myself and bacame a US citizen, but I'm proudly going back to my home country and start my own business. That's how good El Salvador is now.

[@shrimpgeisha]

Congratulations and best of luck! I applaud anyone who wants to go back and help make a better future for their homeland. What seemed impossible before now seems like a real possibility.

[@latindonjuan]

I am also from El Salvador....former staff sergeant in the us army infantry.... what Bukele is doing is planting the seeds for a better future in el Salvador

[@j0ey311]

Family came to the U.S. during the civil war. My family is so happy that we’ll be able to go visit for the first time since 2009 this summer. I’m very excited to see where my family came from.

[@misael2649]

Has you should. My dad is living there now because of how safe it is. We need more of you to come visit and talk about how beautiful our country is and our people too

[@ManUtd503]

I never understood all this “it’s too dangerous to go back home” I’ve been visiting El Salvador since 2008 and been there 19 times. Never had an issue. I’ve also been to Soyapango, Apopa, which are supposed to be the most dangerous places. I will say, I don’t actually go into the neighborhoods where you have to be from there to get in but, I’ve traveled all over the country, been on medical missions in bad areas, hung out with my bro n law while we drove around in a big truck delivering stuff to stores. Never felt unsafe.

[@andrewphilips2457]

Fantastic unbiased overview of this situation.

[@scpatl4now]

I go back and forth on this...but sometimes you have to do what it takes to eliminate the gangs. Like you said, they have been trying to do it for decades and nothing else worked. 96% of the people approve of the government. Who are we as foreigners to tell them otherwise.

[@julianshepherd2038]

The gangs have been temporarily jailed not eliminated

[@scpatl4now]

@@julianshepherd2038 60 years is a long time though

[@panzerkampfwagenviausf.b2236]

dude ur talking as if they were treated remotely good. let me tell you, they're NOT going to do gang shit again lol@@julianshepherd2038

[@FakeAssHandsomeMcGee_]

​@@etienne8110Is that even true? Me remembers they had some support but not majority. The other right-wing parties made him Chancellor and he just kept taking power.

[@ryanhall9877]

I have spent some time in El Salvadore, last time I was there (over a decade ago) they thought the murder rate had finally gone down and were starting to celebrate a bit, but then they found a mass grave of school aged kids... it went right back up to where it was.

[@stuntkills]

DUDE out of every video covering my country this is the only most throughly researched video I’ve seen yet. Way better than any of wargraphic video covering this topic! I was born in the US but grew up in El Salvador on a coffee finca with my grandpa while my parents were up north sending remittance, I loved it here so much I went to a school that taught me English and Spanish and made a lot of friends but around 2010 my gramps sent me back because the violence reached out quite village. I started going back in 2019 and saw the change happening slow and steady but 2023 was a far cry from what I remember what it was like as a kid, I almost cry thinking about how now I can walk at night in San Miguel with AirPods and no fear of death. I wish some of my friends and family that died b/c of the violence were here to see it I love Bukele and I haven’t been back to the states I think I will just stay here tbh ahahaha

[@drgeorgek]

Joe blogs did a great video too in the jails

[@stuntkills]

@@drgeorgek aaah right I did see that one it was well covered! We need more people to report about El Salvador without personal bias because although I agree with some things our government does there are also some things that I’m not okay with but I’m more scared of the opposition because they run on platforms about freeing las Maras from CECOT and we cannot allow that to happen because it will cause a genocide of innocent Salvadorans for retaliation. I remind people constantly that the regime of exception and the state of emergency was declared in response of 80 homicides in One weekend back in 21, where negotiations between these animals and our government fell through because Nayib wasn’t meeting demands made by these terrorist. Giving him a reelection is the safest bet even if it means the outcome is authoritarian. Ultimately it’s what the people want so I separate my feelings

[@jacobw3652]

@@stuntkills Exactly, the people have spoken. Just look at this comment section, while not 100% proof, it seems the vast majority of El Salvador's people prefer it this way.... and who if not them gets to choose? I do also believe that once a government gets a certain level of power, they rarely if ever give it back, but there seems to be much less suffering now so... I cannot argue with results.

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

In Mexico now visiting family and wow what a dream would it be for this initiative in Mexico. Such an amazing territory, people, and location.

[@carnivalwholesale9809]

No why do you want to go back to the Porfidio Diaz days?

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

@@carnivalwholesale9809 that's where it seems the country is now, so I am not sure what you are referring to. The oligarchs have been replaced by drug cartels and the foreign investment seems to be open. 12% savings account rate at the bank most likely reflects a 10% inflation with a 2% real interest rate. Doesn't seem like things are too hot at the moment if you couple that with the cartel violence down here.

[@AH-rl5qc]

Dos situaciones y realidades muy diferentes, en México NO funcionaría hacer lo mismo que en El Salvador, allá son pandillas y en todo su país tienen la población de apenas cualquier ciudad mexicana "popular" por decirlo así (incluso menos). En México los carteles tienen alrededor de 150,000 sicarios armados hasta los dientes, a eso súmale la narco cultura por la cual es mucho más difícil distinguir quién es quien y la extención territorial de México, sobre todo en las grandes ciudades y en las sierras. Puedo mencionar muchos más puntos y especificar más en muchos de ellos pero creo que es innecesario, simplemente son magnitudes de grupos criminales MUY diferentes.

[@functionalvanconversion4284]

@@AH-rl5qc haces Buenos puntos. Me imagino si hay El interes de des hacer los carteles, El gobierno pudiera, pero seria una obra mas dificil.

[@JanusXAlvarenga]

Salvadoran here. I understand Mexico's situation is night and day compared to El Salvador's so the same exact approach wouldn't work. That said, I think average Mexicans do a much better job than their government in fighting for their right to live their lives freely. I don't have a solution, but I am proud of you guys for sticking up for yourselves in your daily stuggle to claim back what has always been yours. They can corrupt a government, they can buy the mayors, the senators, the bankers, the businessmen, the soldiers, the police, and even the President. They CANNOT buy the people's will to better their communities. God bless you all and best of wishes.

[@vanguy9780]

This is a very well balanced presentation of the facts. It also raises some very important questions that everyone should give some thought to no matter where you live

[@ShonicBurn]

I've always belived that liberty and freedom only works when Justice is upheld. El Salvidor had no freedom or liberty untill they started fighting for justice. This is why we must do everything in our power to make people see and understand the importance of a good judicial system that has severe and fair punishment.

[@Varelinski]

There's an even simpler way to deal with those gangs without limiting freedom: Legalize all drugs (Now, cartels have nothing to sell). Legalize firearms (Now, citizens who obey the law will be able to defend themselves from the now jobless gangs). Remove bureaucracy to buy firearms (Now, it'll be more accessible to law abiding citizens. Not to mention, it'll be a faster process). Remove taxes to acquire firearms and ammunition (Now, the poorer law abiding citizens will be able to buy weapons). The government just stops people from defending themselves and makes the cartels more powerful. All of that to remove your freedom for "safety" reasons. It's the same old story of breaking your legs and giving you "free" crutches.

[@dicitalore605]

I grew up around a lot of Salvadoran kids who were first generation born in North America. They never visited El Salvador and I didn't know why. I spent full summers in my parents country (Ecuador) but they never did. Finally I see pictures on Facebook that they post about finally being able to visit their parents country. Finally they're able to meet their family in person. Yes Bukele is doing the right thing and most of his compatriots agree.

[@southerncross86]

All decent persons having respect to lhuman life and family supports what has been done in El Salvador.

[@TradinTigerJohn]

You answered your own questions very well. "Win the war before planning the peace." God bless El Salvador!

[@antoniolopez6024]

Excelent job my friend well done, I love your report all that is true, I am from El Salvador. I have been living in The United States for 35 years and this is the first time I see something like this happening in my lovely El Salvador and I hope to go back and expend my last days there thanks for all the work you did.Blessings

[@AZ-mq5eu]

Just got back from out there. All my cousins in oriente told me the same since for the first time I was able to go around the whole country without any issues. “You could never do that a few years ago”. Right on bukele!!

[@72tonk]

Have been visiting El Salvador for years with my wife, beautiful country and people. Love what the president has done to restore peace in El Salvador it took an outsider with his own money to stop corruption and end the violence. God bless the people of El Salvador they deserve peace.

[@adamknight5089]

Outsider? What makes him an outsider?

[@Valentina.Montano]

Bukele is Salvadoran by birth, he isn't an outsider. He's grandfather was a foreigner but we don't count his ancestry, we don't follow the USA weird idea of heritage, Bukele is just Salvadoran to us, him having a foreign grandfather is just something to tell in passing.

[@72tonk]

@@Valentina.Montano the US doesn’t have anything “weird” about heritage. It is what it is to us. Besides, I didn’t offend you so, try not to offend us. Besides what I meant was that he was not a career politician. Your assumption was weird, then.

[@72tonk]

@@adamknight5089 outsider- meaning not a career politician. You can calm down now

[@adamknight5089]

@@72tonk Kool thanks for the clarification.

[@frankhernandez693]

I was in El Salvador on vacation last week. I felt very safe there, and such a beautiful country!

[@Rob-z7k]

How are the bars and clubs?

[@supramentalmanifestation]

Great report. Thank you for producing it.

[@Throwaway-kg7ft]

This video was incredibly well researched. Well done and congratulations. However, something important that isn't mentioned too often is the PURGE that happened within the judicial system too. Most judges were sacked for collusion with gangs during this new administration. Laws were also reformed by the legislative assembly. For example, just belonging to a gang nets you decades in prison, which wasn't the case before. This has allowed the justice system to impose harsher sentences on gang members and making sure they stay in jail and never get out. Also, just as something to keep an eye on, the elections will be held the 4th of february. Might be interesting to check how the population will vote.

[@pedikun]

please update when the election is finished i will like to see it

[@Mincecroft]

That will be the true show of El Salvadoran opinion on the new laws but it could lead to the government going further into Authoritarianism

[@Throwaway-kg7ft]

@@Mincecroft I'm from El Salvador. The whole situation is very interesting. You don't really feel the "authoritarianism" people speak of. Having the freedom to go out at any time of the day is something that salvadorans had never experienced. I'd argue we are more free than we have ever been.

[@oscarmelgar4164]

Excellent true facts!

[@jaad9848]

This video leaves out 2 things : Google "Reuters - U.S. sanctions officials close to El Salvador's Bukele for alleged corruption" to remember that El Salvador did not just use a "stick" approach. They also used a "carrot" and bribed (likely continue to do so) many gang members. "Reuters - Trolls, propaganda and fear stoke Bukele's media machine in El Salvador" : This administration also uses bots and paid promotion to rewrite their history and shape their current narrative as well.

[@kiltrofilms]

i have noticed this strange trend where bukele is considered "controversial" only by people who live in countries without high levels of gang violence at their doorstep🤔. As you pointed out, there was no freedom to begin with in mara ruled salvador so the "freedom vs safety" dicotomy did not apply.

[@haggeoromero]

Way to misunderstand the entire concept.

[@abrahamdelgado3507]

My girlfriend is half mex/salvy and we are going to visit her family in April! So excited to visit such a cool country without being worried about crazy shit happening

[@alfredoalcantar8691]

So Latina she is not a mix bread

[@henzoko5946]

⁠@@alfredoalcantar8691huh? Mexico and El Salvador are two different countries. She is mixed…

[@FringeWizard2]

​@@henzoko5946what is the actual difference genetically? Can you tell apart a Mexican from a Salvadorian at a glance?

[@childofcascadia]

@FringeWizard2 Yes. People from different countries in Central and South America look different than each other and also different than Mexicans to people who have spent a lot of time in those places. Also, if you speak Spanish, its kind of like hearing a British speaker and an American speaker of English talking - different people have different accents. Whats the genetic difference? People of mixed native and European ancestry or native ancestry came from many different tribes. So its like how in North America a Lakota person doesnt look like a Yupik person. Theres also, like in the US primarily white European descended people and also primarily African descended people. Not all Latino people look the same.

[@henzoko5946]

@@FringeWizard2 Salvies tend to be more dark skinned, shorter & as well as there eyes being a slightly different shape

[@cleangoblin2021]

It really needed to come to such extremes for a leader to change their country. I coulda been envious but then again, imagine living with crooks for decades and decades. Happy for you Salvadorans

[@chrischamberlain9913]

I live in Guatemala and when I went to el salvador it was like being in the states. There's actually peace there. It's messed up that the government had to resort to this but in this case the ends justify the means. Also the U.S. should stay away from this after they've been begging for a non corrupt government

[@alexlazo7960]

I do remember going to El Salvador on family trips when i was younger. They would always tell us dont stay out to late, go home it's getting dark. We went again last year and it's a total 180, i never felt threatened, our family we would go out to dinner with us. Much more laid back compared to 10 years ago.

[@davidpenate4936]

Thank you Cappy, I was born in ES in 97. I have never seen combat myself but many of my family members still plagued by its effects to this day. My father even being a former guerrilla, who today denounces the entire organization. My father would tell me stories of how the military would enter schools and just choose kids (literal kids) and train them to be soldiers. My father speaks of how it was the choice of joining the military where he would be fighting his friends, neighbors, and classmates or fight along side them in the resistance. Today he realizes that he was just young and dumb, and teaches me to be way more critical of what our actions have on our community and ourselves, Thankfully he unlike many of his friends survived and lives as a proud Salvi-American but will never forget the past. My grandfather on my mother’s side was even a Soldier in the army for over 25 years. It was a common joke around our house when he was still alive of how they could sit down and enjoy coffee together after possibly sharing a battlefield many years ago. My grandfathers younger brother even went on to become a Green Beret with the 82nd Airborne as an 18D earning a CMB after previously serving in the Army in ES. All these men have raised me to be the man I am today as well given me a great pride in where I and we as a family come from. This year being 26, I made the decision to pursue and keep aflame their and my own warriors spirit and enlist. I don’t want to be a hero and would like to be the best asset I can be doing what my grandfather bestowed on me before his passing and raising me as a mechanic but I know all of these men would be and are proud of my decision. Again, I cannot thank you enough Cappy for bringing our country’s history to light and wish you best on your journey. Your future USAF Maintainer signing out. 🇸🇻🇺🇸🫡

[@stephenzic6054]

Many people don’t realize how everything is not so black and white but grey. I never try and judge anyone because I don’t know their life story, their circumstances. I try not to be too critical of someone’s opinions and try and understand how they got there. And I think I got that from having a family experience similar to yours but with Croatian ancestor’s during WW2. Since the country was centered in Europe it was a mix of beliefs pulling people to different ideologies, some towards communism, some to nazism, some to the king of Croatia and some to the allies. And it wasn’t just different parts of the country that advocated for different “isms” but like you said, the differences went down to the family level. Life is complicated. Glad to hear your family survived

[@EagerBeagle]

You may have confused the details spoken by your father - whom I respect. The FMLN kidnapped children from rural schools, take them into the mountains, for brainwashing, training, and then used for combat against government outposts. The International Red Cross inspected government bases to insure that anyone ages 16 and under were returned to their homes. As for your minor error. The Green Berets and 82nd Airborne are two different organizations. The former are US Army Special Forces. The latter is a division of paratroopers. An 18D is a medic in Special Forces. So, you got that right. I salute your father and grandfather for service and reconciliation. As for you, David. I'm delighted that you have a future as a USAF Maintainer. God bless you greatly, Sir.

[@Jorvaskrr]

Joining the Air Force? Smart.

[@oscopin74]

I'm glad all has worked out for your and your family 🙏

[@alexc4356]

Hell yes brother, my abuelo on my moms side was from San Salvador served in the Air Force as a mechanic during the Korean War! My dad (Cubano) served as a marine and now I too carry on the legacy as a marine. It’s one way for immigrants and their descendants to best show their appreciation for this great diverse nation 🇸🇻🫡🇺🇸

[@jhonniboii5884]

I go tomorrow, and I love that my country is safe again. Back then couldn’t wear any jewelry and couldn’t go out later than 6pm. Now it’s beautiful. 🙏🏻💯

[@rainbowsilk9444]

I honestly appreciate how consistently you present all the relevant information and aren't just a cheerleader for the United States. It's important to have all the nuance and facts so that we can try to understand what's really happening. I appreciate your channel a lot.

[@Bluecollarjoe6B9]

South Africa needs to do this.

[@KonradvonHotzendorf]

Too whom🇿🇦😜

[@fridgemagnet9831]

i was thinking the same thing, we need an outsider to come in and make big changes.

[@RlsIII-uz1kl]

​​@@KonradvonHotzendorf To those targeting farmers because of their race.

[@KonradvonHotzendorf]

@@RlsIII-uz1kl I do agree let SAPS do whatever But they Tikkoppe. Its a social problem. Especially Youth Unemployment

[@KonradvonHotzendorf]

@@GeraltofRivia22 and let them form a coalition with EFF

[@bigbaddiexii]

I think Bukele was exactly what was needed at this point. The people chose him with an understanding of what it meant for personal liberties. And what they sacrificed in terms of freedoms they gained in peace of mind and ironically freedom. Prior to this crackdown, you needed permission from the gangs to travel anywhere. And traveling along the borders between different gang territories often carried immense risks. I think the main threat currently is what happens when Bukele leaves. Its currently looking like he will lead the country for a long time, due to extending term limits and what not. And as long as he's leading the country i dont foresee any issues regarding violence resurgence. He needs to plan for the country's future after his departure. Imo he's basically gotta pull an Ataturk, and ensure that the country transitions back to a democracy after his departure without falling victim to the gangs again.

[@Canthary]

Ironically having more freedom now than before when the gangs ruled is a great counterpoint.

[@rebelmango2141]

I don't think they knew the extent of what he would do

[@bigbaddiexii]

@@Canthary right? I thought so myself lol

[@HK47_115]

That or a dictatorship. Who's to say the next president will actually do right by these minimal freedoms for the sake of security.

[@bigbaddiexii]

That's why I said he's gotta pull an Ataturk. You can look him up if you need some context @@HK47_115

[@daveroxxxx]

Ty.. great coverage - well done!

[@Korruptionen]

I was just talking about this with someone today! I worked with a wonderful guy who came to the US from El Savador in the mid 80s, illegally. It worked to gain his citizenship and is honestly one of the nicest guys I've ever met. Super chill too. Years ago I asked about his story and he told me I basically couldn't visit his old country. It's amazing to see what they have done. Hopefully Mexico is taking notes.

[@jonathanramos8414]

Mexico is comprised dude. And plus the ms gangs are weaker compared to the cartels

[@HK47_115]

Mexico has other ways of going about that other than just going to dictator route. Remember how in the video he mentioned at El Salvadorian games are primarily getting their guns from corrupting cops who get it from American gun corporations? One way that Mexico is cracking down on gangs while also making it easier to track them down, while also not going to dictator route which I don't even know why the fuk you people keep saying this is a good thing. If that's what you want to just go live in North korea. But one of the ways Mexico is cracking down on games and prevention from getting more weapons his literally just by making their own gun industry and producing their own weapon. They produce their own weapons, so go missing, they know where to check.

[@Angeloftheshadoweye]

@@HK47_115 Except that our own government and military are so corrupt that they sell their own equipment to the cartels, even if they can track it, they don't. Don't think that cartels and government are separate things in Mexico.

[@John-hu9bo]

The problem with México is, that they are a threat to the US if it would be run like a really developed, not corrupted country. So, the US has absolutely no interest that México is getting more developed. Look for operation fast and furious. They are working with the cartels. México could be a real competitor. It has a lot of arable land and resources. Furthermore it's way harder to control because of its sheer size.

[@jaidengabriel1675]

@@John-hu9bo Mexico could just opt for the Canada model in terms of relations to the US

[@billbrockman779]

There’s an old saying paraphrased as “when something can’t continue, eventually it doesn’t.”

[@andys1944]

As a 1st generation Salvi American, I can say I grew up seeing my father and his family give up easily when it came to politics. It almost influenced me as well but learning our history gave me confidence to catch these patterns ahead of time and inform others.

[@KGFishyFingers]

Good for you man. Smart.

[@chubbieminami3274]

I became friends in LA with a girl from El Salvador. She was so nice and I always wondered why they had to come to America. Now I know why. People suffered enough. I hope the good people will return to their country to make it even better.

[@Mark-et8vh]

For as self-deprecating as you can be at times, I’m continually impressed how deeply you research your topics. I have been out of work and recovering from cancer over the last year and running into your videos, have been a great source of keeping my otherwise neutral noggin thinking. Thank you so much. Happy New Year!

[@elmelvin209]

Fellow infantryman Vet from 10th mountain and also Salvadoran. I can confirm ES is a boom country rn because of the policies of the nayib, but still needs a lot of work due to the decades of gov. corruption. I haven’t been there since I was a kid but my brothers just went last year for the first time in years and had a blast. You’re either really rich or really poor and hardly in between. Hopefully it changes. It’s crazy what can be done with a good gov yuh know who would have thought 🤷🏻‍♂️. Anyways love your channel Cappy your the man 🦅🇺🇸

[@honkhonk8009]

Dont wanna get political, but El Salvador and Singapore should serve as examples of what good conservative policies do.

[@rodrigonm97]

Im a Salvadoran and visit the country once a yearu. The last year I went you could tell the difference. More people were walking the streets having a normal life. I used to be afraid to take my with me whenever I would go out. But now I feel much more comfortable going out with family at night to go to restaurants and just enjoy my vacation. While I think the reduction of some freedom is worrying, given the previous track record of governments that have done the same. I remember hearing something along the line of, people are willing to give up some freedoms when they never had those freedoms to begin with. The gang problem was so severe that it was more comparable to an insurgency in a small country than the small street beefs we see in the US. I think the real problems wont show up until the next government takes power after the current one. While I am happy my country and my family that live there are now living a happier and safer life. More people are seeing what a beautiful country it is. I remain hopeful of the future. But Im still aw are of how governments in the past have gone when given this much power.

[@A_Haunted_Pancake]

One would hope People appreciate the new situation so much, they wont let things slide back to what they were. Part of that is keeping an eye on your politicians and (for South America in general) not to treat Politics as some kind of entertainment, but as that thing manages your Country.

[@Benji-ig6xw]

I find it funny how people go "what about the gangs human rights" so you just ignoring what horrendous acts they've done.

[@alexman6611]

Aa a Salvadorian thank you for this video. You did a great job representing the facts and showing all the sides of the problem. I recommend you look into how Bukele made it on the ballot to get elected his first time. It's a crazy story and shows where the government was before he took power.

[@LuisRodriguez-ns9mo]

Yes, the way the establishment tried to block him in every single way was incredible.. they really went dark and with so much corruption to not letting him run for president. They were exposed constantly by Bukele and it’s one of the major reasons now nobody wants not believe in the old two major political parties or previous politicians never again. It was a time of awakening for the entire country. The entire political system was designed to keep the old powers in place but the immense support from the people broke all records and the system itself and now we have someone that is ruling the country from the people to the people, for real. In the US I hope one day the people wakes up and everybody united can demolish the bipartisanship that only switches power every 8 years and it’s controlled completely by the Dep. of State. It all need to go. God Bless El Salvador and all citizens from the world.

[@shrimpkins]

Where can I find the real story? I was wondering that myself. Seems like there's a lot below the surface.

[@bananasplit6969]

Holy mother of jesus christ. This guy really did his research from top to bottom. Everything is spot on.

[@saxonforbes507]

"Sometimes the only choices you have are bad ones....But you still have to choose"

[@monumentaltravel3745]

Great video. Such a useful explanation.

[@growthub8541]

First generation American here, my dad left El Salvador when he was a teenager due to the civil war. Best decision he ever made, we still go back every few years and the country is absolutely beautiful.

[@EdgeLordOmen]

Good thing you didn't become cringe Chicano gangster

[@GSXK4]

I work with an El Salvadoran and when this topic came up he was ecstatic talking about it.

[@MexicanNuke]

My father left El salvador in the 80s from the gangs that wanted him being killed. He passes through the Guatemalan border and to Mexico. He went to Veracruz, where he made friends and later went to CDMX, where he met my mom

[@libertyisparamount1443]

tldr you are not mexican

[@MexicanNuke]

@@libertyisparamount1443 I'm half Mexican🇲🇽

[@jaggonz1976]

There were no gangs in El Salvador in the 80's.There was a civil war. Goverment VS, guerrillas.

[@t_k_blitz4837]

I saw a documentary about efforts to find and recover bodies of the gangs' victims, and holy hell, that is absolutely nightmare-inducing stuff.

[@FiveMissiles]

do you remember the name?

[@t_k_blitz4837]

@@FiveMissiles I finally found it again: The English title was "The Engineer," and it was released in 2013.

[@FiveMissiles]

@@t_k_blitz4837 thanks bro!

[@EmilioMetralleta]

We need to do the same thing here in México, but we need to get rid of the government that is currently running our country because they protect the criminals.

[@shadowslayer9988]

Gangs in El Salvador ain't as well equipped as Mexican cartels.

[@godemperormaki5292]

Americans will never understand what it means to walk without fear of being killed to us. It feels like getting out of jail

[@rebralhunter6069]

No Americans understand what it feels like to walk around without fear of being killed. They understand it quite well. Despite how the media portrays things, since it's in their best interest to peddle fear. And despite what clueless people not in the US who are informed entirely from headlines, will hace you believe, the US is a first world country. Its quite safe in the majority of the country, despite having certain areas riddled with high crime. So yes, Americans do know what its like to love without fear of being killed at a moments notice.

[@mauduran01]

I call bullshit 😂

[@tytania3545]

​@@GLARebelI bet it's still safer than places OCCUPIED by the United States. Cry me a river.

[@tytania3545]

​@@mauduran01Your own? Absolutely!

[@tytania3545]

​@@erickzuniga3113Como si la Cruz arreglara algo.

[@topkushgta416toronto6]

Very Informative amd interesting 👍 😎

[@sunglee2048]

I'm constantly impressed how you break down the issues. Great job!

[@jerbear7952]

You are the only channel that I watch that comes within 50 miles of the topics you cover. Your coverage is fantastic and your presentation and presence is outstanding. I also very much appreciate that you don't seem to have an interest in alienating people politically in any of the videos I have seen of yours. Good Job. (Side note: as a midwesterner who has spent a lot of time in New Jersey I don't think there is a more misrepresented state or group of people. Just don't go off the truck routes in a semi and you will have perfectly nice time in New Jersey)

[@silent6234]

The format, level of research, approachability of the subject matter and the general tone were awesome Chris. Bravo.

[@Apurho]

Still clueless. Bukele is corrupt as all hell. Very little actual facts being reported about him. He was corrupt since before he even became president, along with his father. I live in Central America and follow politics here very closely, I can assure you he spews a lot of propaganda and skewed statistics to portray his government as "mano dura" against crime, but he's the biggest criminal in his country.

[@mikebunner3498]

Chris, This is some spooky stuff. I think this could happen almost anywhere. Including America!!Thank you sir!

[@forzajuve6ix]

Bro every time i see cappy posted a new video its amazing bless up everyone!

[@Chooie6]

My mother emigrated to the US in the 80s because of the civil war and most of my relatives who lived there moved to other countries as well. Still it's nice to know things have improved.

[@lizzfrmhon]

This happened in my country in the 70s. President Tiburcio Carias was a military man and ruled with an iron first. If you were a thief you could lose a hand or a foot or a leg. Murderers just disappeared. There was martial law. But people felt safe enough to leave their doors open at night. Sadly my country has become almost unliveable with so much gang violence corruption and drugs. Same as in El Salvador and we have no iron fisted leaders that want to fix it. Unfortunately many people including myself will give up some civil liberties in order to feel safety again. Just the feeling of being able to walk in the streets without fear is a huge thing. I honestly hope a leader like that is elected in my country again.

[@perspicacity89]

You make amazing videos!

[@victorblack1092]

I honestly think this is a tough topic to discuss without being in the country. Because we can't even imagine what they were going through when the gangs were essentially in charge.

[@pixpusha]

Without doubt, some innocents have been killed extrajudicially.

[@rafaelobo1]

Capi I would like to talk with you, I am a viewer of your channel from El Salvador, I could give you insight perspective. And my dad fought in the civil war in the Salvadorian army, I was 5 when the war finished

[@danday8596]

He already made the video lad....get over it

[@matthewenriquez8938]

@@danday8596Jesus he’s just saying he has insight, not like he’s getting mad or anything…

[@rafaelobo1]

@@danday8596 wow mate, your perception of the obvious is amazing. Capy likes to research and if he would like to listen to someone that is living the topic that he learned from abroad I am open to talk to him.

[@rafaelobo1]

@@SlothShower Not currently, he is just a part of history that the kids read in social studies. Our history has a long line of dictadors and coups in the early 1900's for western standards.

[@Taskandpurpose]

send me an email it would be great to hear your point of view! email is in the description of the video

[@majorphenom1]

Thanks for sharing 🙏🏾 Prayers out for the people of el Salvador 🕊️

[@genus.family]

Incredible piece of journalism!!

[@Wolfenstein69924]

I live in Maryland where there is a large Salvadorian population. A lot of my coworkers from El Salvador have been going back for visits lately after being away for years.

[@00Spiral007]

I like your use of primary source documents and showcasing them. It's basic as far as what a classroom would expect, but on youtube plaigarism is a major issue currently, so the care is nice to see. More transparency and sharing on how we research and what we use keeps us all better -- no matter the content or field.

[@greggarcia7677]

Great video, I left El Salvador before the civil war, in 1978 I came to the US, planning to stay and work for 2 year, I was a young farmer in El Salvador, with 6th grade education, I'm the 4th of 11 brothers and one sister, in 1980 the civil war broke up in El Salvador, so instead of me going back home, I had to pull my younger brothers out of there, to the point where my whole family was smuggle in to the US, we never went back because after the civil war, the gangs took over the country, now if the country stays safe, Im planning to co back and retire there!

[@Stick3x]

Subscribed. This was excellent.

[@mikeluna2026]

one thing to note is that the peace agreements after the civil war disbanded some of the most efficient and battle hardened police bodies in the country (though they were usually the most brutal, so not many miss them). But moving to an inexperienced civil police force did contribute to the issue. And about the weapons the gangs used, there's plenty of rumors that after the civil war some people kept hidden weapon caches in the countryside, which they then proceeded to sell slowly like a black market.