In Santa Ana, El Salvador, the Centro Industrial prison contrasts sharply with the notorious supermax CECOT, where Kilmar Abrego Garcia was initially held. At Centro Industrial, inmates wear yellow shirts and lead relatively free lives—cultivating crops or working in factories—while being classified as “trusted inmates.” This facility excludes gang members, according to its warden, Samuel Diaz, who emphasizes the lack of violent offenders. NBC News gained access to this prison, but officials did not disclose Abrego Garcia’s location or condition, even as human rights advocates raise concerns about his transfer from CECOT to this low-security prison, contradicting claims that he is a terrorist and MS-13 member.
Since his deportation, Abrego Garcia has had no contact with family or lawyers, increasing fears about his situation. Gabriela Santos, a human rights director, questioned the legality of his transfer and echoed concerns about the broader context of migrant deportations to El Salvador, where constitutional protections have been eroded under a “state of exception” declared by President Nayib Bukele. This policy has led to the incarceration of around 85,000 individuals—many without legal recourse, subjected to mass trials, and reported abuses.
While Bukele claims public safety has improved since the declaration, allowing citizens to feel safer from gang violence, human rights advocates warn against the consequences for democracy. They argue the popularity of Bukele’s measures does not justify the authoritarian grip he holds over the legal system and civil liberties in El Salvador. Critics stress the importance of maintaining democratic principles and the rule of law despite the perceived successes of security policies.
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