Over the past few years, El Salvador has garnered worldwide interest not only due to its extensive security measures but also because of the departure of political leaders and activists declaring they no longer feel secure in their home country. As President Nayib Bukele’s administration continues to strengthen control, numerous individuals who were once influential in the nation’s public sphere are looking for safety outside the nation, expressing worries that El Salvador might be dangerously close to reliving its troubling historical periods.
Esta creciente ola de exilio político refleja una profunda inquietud sobre el rumbo del gobierno en El Salvador. Aunque el discurso oficial destaca el progreso nacional y la reducción del crimen, muchos exfuncionarios, jueces, abogados, periodistas y líderes de la sociedad civil sostienen que las normas constitucionales y las instituciones democráticas se están deteriorando en el proceso. Desde sus nuevos hogares en países vecinos o más lejanos, hablan de un entorno en su país que se ha vuelto cada vez más intolerante hacia la disidencia.
Algunos de estos individuos han tenido extensas trayectorias en el servicio público o en la defensa social. Algunos se habían asociado con partidos políticos, mientras que otros trabajaron de manera independiente para reforzar el estado de derecho o promover la responsabilidad. Muchos ahora se encuentran fuera del país no por elección, sino por obligación, tras recibir amenazas, enfrentar procesos judiciales que consideran políticamente motivados o temer ser encarcelados bajo cargos ambiguos.
For these exiled Salvadorans, the pattern they describe feels all too familiar. They reference the authoritarian practices of past decades, when government critics were surveilled, harassed, or silenced. Today, they say, there are echoes of that past in the consolidation of power by the executive branch, the weakening of judicial independence, and the use of state institutions to go after perceived opponents.
What distinguishes the current moment is the speed and scope of these developments. Bukele, who rose to prominence with a message of anti-corruption and renewal, has transformed El Salvador’s political landscape with bold—and controversial—measures. While his administration boasts high approval ratings domestically, in part due to a crackdown on gang violence, critics warn that the price of security gains is the erosion of basic democratic safeguards.
An issue of dispute concerns the prolonged state of emergency, initially established to tackle criminal groups. While this measure has resulted in numerous arrests and a noticeable decrease in street crime, it has been criticized by human rights defenders for potentially enabling misconduct. Alarming reports of arbitrary arrests, absence of due process, and poor treatment in custody have surfaced, causing concern both inside and outside El Salvador.
Those now living in exile say the government is not only targeting gang members but also anyone seen as a challenge to its authority. Legal professionals who ruled against government interests, journalists who uncovered inconvenient facts, and politicians who voiced criticism have all found themselves in precarious situations. In many cases, they were stripped of protections, removed from their posts, or faced legal inquiries soon after speaking out.
To certain individuals, escaping the nation emerged as the sole practical choice. The apprehension extended beyond just facing legal charges, encompassing fears of being targeted and treated as adversaries of the government rather than rightful citizens. Through narratives shared in interviews and public addresses, those in exile recount the challenging choices they faced: departing from loved ones, giving up their professional paths, and starting anew in foreign surroundings.
Although they are far from El Salvador, numerous individuals still feel a strong bond with its future. They persist in voicing their opinions, coordinating from other countries, and highlighting changes they view as risks to the nation’s democratic principles. Concurrently, they experience sorrow and annoyance from being labeled as traitors by the administration they previously supported.
Some have built partnerships with global organizations or discovered outlets in overseas media to express their viewpoints. Their narratives provide a contrast to the official governmental account and highlight the intricate, often challenging decisions encountered by individuals opposing political coercion. For these individuals, the current period in El Salvador’s history represents more than a mere political upheaval—it’s a deeply personal judgment.
Observers note that the growing list of exiles points to a deeper shift in the country’s political culture. While Bukele’s supporters celebrate what they see as decisive leadership, others see a narrowing space for debate, accountability, and lawful opposition. The departure of experienced voices from the public sphere may also have long-term consequences for governance and democratic stability.
Esta oleada de disidentes también genera preocupaciones regionales e internacionales más amplias. La tendencia refleja el desarrollo en otros países donde el poder se ha centralizado cada vez más y los críticos han sido expulsados. Las comunidades diplomáticas y de derechos humanos observan atentamente, equilibrando el reconocimiento del éxito del gobierno en la lucha contra el crimen con una creciente inquietud por sus tendencias autoritarias.
El Salvador’s history is marked by periods of political violence, civil conflict, and repression. For those now in exile, the comparisons are not made lightly. Many recall the devastating impact of silencing opposition in the past and fear that the country is heading down a similar path—one in which dissent is criminalized and democracy becomes an empty formality.
Yet even in exile, there is hope. The voices now speaking from afar carry with them a determination to protect democratic principles. They believe that accountability, transparency, and rule of law are not optional, even in times of crisis. Their ongoing activism reflects a belief that the future of El Salvador must include—not exclude—those who challenge power.
Whether the country can strike a balance between security and freedom, and whether it can preserve the institutions that sustain democracy, remains to be seen. But for those watching from outside, one thing is clear: the lessons of history are being invoked not to divide, but to warn, and to urge a return to a political culture that values inclusion, dialogue, and respect for rights.
As various political personalities and activists persist in departing, a lingering question arises: Can a nation genuinely be liberated if its critics feel compelled to escape for safety? For El Salvador, the response might outline not only the current situation but also the contours of its future.
