US EditionChile's far-right president-elect visits El Salvador mega-prison, plans to talk security with Bukele
Kast aims to evaluate El Salvador's prison model amid concerns over human rights and gang violence; at least 480 detainees have died since 2022, human rights group reported.
- On Friday, Jan. 30, 2026, Chile's president-elect José Antonio Kast visited the Detention Center Against Terrorism after arriving by helicopter and posting a photo on social media platform X with his security minister.
- El Salvador's presidential office said Chile's incoming government wants to learn firsthand about the security model addressing organized crime, drug trafficking and terrorism.
- CECOT has capacity for up to 40,000 inmates and eight large cellblocks; each cell holds between 65 and 70 prisoners, who are kept in isolation without visitors or outdoor time.
- Kast was slated for a private meeting with Bukele at the presidential palace to discuss cooperation, and El Salvador's office said `We are ready to work hand-in-hand with our Chilean brothers`.
- Costa Rica recently began a project modeled on CECOT amid regional moves including Honduras, Ecuador, and Guatemala, while Socorro Jurídico reported at least 480 deaths since 2022 and the Trump administration deported over 200 Venezuelans.
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José Antonio Cast stated that he wants to get to know, without adopting as is, President Bukele's strict security model
Public security, the fight against organized crime and the role of the prison system marked the meeting between the president-elect of Chile, José Antonio Kast, and the president of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, in the latter country. The meeting took place in a regional context crossed by the strengthening of transnational criminal organizations, such as the Aragua Train, and by the Salvadoran experience in the direct confrontation with the gangs.…
Associated Press News
Chile's far-right president-elect visits El Salvador mega-prison, plans to talk security with Bukele
Chile’s far-right President-elect José Antonio Kast visited El Salvador’s mega-prison for accused gang members ahead of a meeting with President Nayib Bukele to discuss organized crime.
Chile President-Elect Kast Visits Bukele’s Mega-Prison to Spotlight Security Push
Chile’s incoming president, José Antonio Kast, toured El Salvador’s notorious mega-prison on Friday, one stop on a week-long trip focused on showcasing his commitment to beefing up security once he takes office in March.
President Nayib Bukele leads his offensive under an exception which permits prisons without a judicial order
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