As El Salvador approaches the premiere of the documentary “The Deal: Trump, Bukele & the Gangs of El Salvador” on April 7, 2026, the nation finds itself entrenched in a complex web of anti-gang measures. President Nayib Bukele’s administration has been under scrutiny for its aggressive approach to combating gang violence, particularly against notorious groups like Mara Salvatrucha and Barrio 18.

In recent years, Bukele has forged a controversial deal with former President Donald Trump that involved the imprisonment of deportees accused of gang affiliations. This arrangement has contributed to a staggering 91,000 individuals detained under a state of exception that has lasted for four years, raising alarms about due process and human rights violations.

Mass trials are now underway, with approximately 20,000 detainees grouped together for proceedings that lack basic legal guarantees. The attorney general’s office has promised 3,000 indictments in the first quarter of 2026, aiming to expedite the prosecution of alleged gang members. However, critics argue that such measures risk convicting innocent individuals.

Williams Díaz, for example, was detained while on his way to work and now awaits trial in a mega-prison designed specifically for gang members. Similarly, Jonathan, a 24-year-old maquila worker, has been grouped into a Mara Salvatrucha clique with around 80 other detainees. As noted by an anonymous lawyer, “From the moment they group them together, they are declaring them guilty.”

The Salvadoran government has also approved life imprisonment for gang members, including minors, further complicating the legal landscape. Reports indicate that some defendants could spend up to five years in detention without a conviction, a situation described by Reynaldo Santos as “Russian roulette, anguish, an ordeal.”

Human Rights Watch has documented numerous cases of wrongful detentions triggered by anonymous tips and neighborhood disputes, highlighting the potential for abuse within the system. The reforms to the organized crime law have eliminated hearings where evidence is evaluated, raising concerns about the integrity of the judicial process.

Despite these issues, Bukele maintains a strong grip on power, controlling all branches of the state and enjoying considerable popularity for his perceived success in reducing gang-related violence. However, the reality of wrongful arrests and the harsh conditions faced by detainees cannot be overlooked.

As the documentary sheds light on these developments, the implications for El Salvador’s future remain uncertain. Details of the deal between Trump and Bukele remain unconfirmed, leaving many questions about the long-term impact of these policies on Salvadoran society.

The situation in El Salvador is a stark reminder of the complexities involved in addressing gang violence and the delicate balance between security and human rights.

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