The World’s Biggest and Toughest Prison for Gangs: El Salvador (CECOT) 🇸🇻

This video takes us inside CECOT, El Salvador's notorious mega-prison, often called the "gangs' prison." Built to house thousands of gang members, it's a stark symbol of President Nayib Bukele's tough stance on crime. The facility is designed for maximum security, with advanced technology and strict protocols to prevent escapes and maintain order. We get a glimpse into the harsh reality of life for the inmates, highlighting the government's strategy to combat rampant gang violence that once plagued the country.

A Nation Transformed

El Salvador, once known as the crime capital of the world, has seen a dramatic shift in its safety. This transformation is largely credited to President Nayib Bukele, who took office in 2019. His administration declared a state of emergency in March 2022, leading to the arrest of tens of thousands of suspected gang members. This crackdown paved the way for the construction of CECOT, a massive facility opened in 2023, specifically designed to hold the country's most dangerous criminals.

Inside CECOT: The Gangs' Prison

CECOT is not your typical correctional facility; it's a fortress. The prison is surrounded by 11-meter-high concrete walls topped with barbed wire and surveillance systems, making escape virtually impossible. The facility is managed by 600 soldiers and 250 police officers. Upon arrival, visitors and staff undergo rigorous security checks, similar to airport screenings, using advanced technology like body scanners and fingerprint readers. The prison is equipped with high-tech cameras featuring facial recognition, ensuring constant monitoring.

Key Takeaways

• CECOT is a maximum-security prison built to house gang members.
• It represents a significant shift in El Salvador's approach to crime.
• The prison utilizes advanced technology for surveillance and security.
• Inmates are kept in harsh conditions with limited contact with the outside world.
• The facility is a key part of President Bukele's strategy to reduce gang violence.

Life Inside the Walls

The prison is designed to hold thousands of inmates, with eight large blocks, each capable of housing thousands more. CECOT is described as a security stronghold rather than a place for rehabilitation. Inmates are kept in cells, with 80 beds in each cell designed for 100 people. They are not provided with blankets, and the lights are kept on 24/7 to prevent any sense of time and aid security. Inmates are only allowed out of their cells for 30 minutes a day for exercise, using basic weights.

Gang Members and Their Tattoos

Many inmates bear tattoos that signify their gang affiliation. The prison has a special book cataloging these tattoos, allowing authorities to identify which gang a person belongs to. Some inmates have tried to alter their tattoos, but it's a difficult process. The video shows several inmates, including leaders of powerful gangs like Barrio 18 and MS-13, who have been implicated in hundreds of murders, kidnappings, and other violent crimes. The tattoos often depict skulls and graves, symbolizing fallen gang members.

Security Measures and Inmate Treatment

CECOT is equipped with an arsenal of weapons, including various types of handcuffs, some designed to shackle hands and feet together, making movement difficult. The prison also has a dedicated armory. Guards are provided with special facilities, including a gym, to help them cope with the stress of working in such a high-risk environment. They work in shifts, spending five days on duty and five days off.

Inmates have limited contact with the outside world. They can communicate with lawyers via video screens in special rooms, as they are not allowed to leave their cells for visits. The prison has medical staff, including nurses and a doctor who visits daily. For disciplinary issues, inmates are sent to solitary confinement, a small, dark cell where they are kept for 15 days. Even meals are delivered to the cells, with inmates receiving beans and rice, but no chicken or meat.

The Impact of the New Approach

President Bukele's tough stance on crime has been met with popular support. His landslide victory in the 2024 elections, following a 50% win in 2019, is seen as a reflection of the public's desire for safety and security. The video suggests that the president's bold actions have made citizens feel safer, a sentiment that was rare in El Salvador for many years due to pervasive gang violence. CECOT stands as a testament to this new era of security in the country.