ACI Prensa Staff, May 31, 2025 / 10:00 am
El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele celebrates his sixth year in office, but the country’s Catholic bishops have raised concerns. In a recent pastoral letter published, they warned against turning the nation into an “international prison” and urged an end to the state of emergency.
The bishops clarified that their intention is not to oppose national authorities but to advocate for the people’s well-being. They emphasized that their observations are driven by concern for the populace and not influenced by political or powerful interests.
“With our voice, we want to amplify the pleas of the marginalized and vulnerable groups whose rights may be unintentionally violated in the current intense reality,” the letter emphasized.
‘Mega-prison’ Criticized
The bishops specifically urged authorities not to use Salvadoran prisons to house individuals affected by foreign anti-immigrant policies. They criticized the government’s approach following U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit, where President Bukele offered to accommodate “dangerous American criminals,” raising concerns about the country’s direction.
Welcome to the CECOT Mega-Prison: A Controversial Approach to Immigration
In a bold move, El Salvador has decided to detain “citizens” and “illegal immigrants from any other country” at the Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT), rather than deporting them back to their home country. The CECOT, also known as the “mega-prison,” is a state-of-the-art facility inaugurated in January 2023, with a capacity to hold up to 40,000 inmates.
This decision has sparked controversy, with many questioning the wisdom of turning the country into what some perceive as a large international prison. The bishops of El Salvador have raised concerns about the potential dangers of housing major criminals within its borders and the negative impact this could have on the nation’s international reputation.
Instead of this punitive approach, the bishops have called for a more compassionate and inclusive policy towards migrants. They advocate for open borders, integration of migrants into the economy as a valuable labor force, and protection of the rights of all individuals, regardless of their immigration status.
Furthermore, the bishops are urging the government to repeal the state of emergency, which has been in effect since March 2022 as part of the government’s anti-crime strategy. This measure has been criticized by Human Rights Watch for its potential to lead to human rights violations.
While acknowledging the initial success of the state of emergency in curbing violence, the bishops argue that it is no longer necessary and is inhibiting the freedom of the people. They believe that individuals should be able to act without fear or coercion, and that the current restrictions are oppressive and unnecessary.
Standing Up for Human Rights Defenders
In addition to their concerns about immigration and the state of emergency, the bishops have also spoken out against the persecution of human rights defenders in the country. The recent arrest of lawyer Ruth Eleonora López has highlighted the challenges faced by those working to protect the rights and freedoms of all individuals.
Overall, the bishops are calling for a more just and humane approach to governance in El Salvador, one that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their background or legal status. As the country grapples with these complex issues, it is clear that a balanced and compassionate approach is needed to ensure the well-being of all its citizens.