El Salvador: Authorities announce new army checkpoints, searches in nationwide state of emergency as of Nov. 24 /update 8

Event

President Nayib Bukele has announced that authorities will carry out enhanced security measures in major cities nationwide, including sealing off sections of cities using soldiers and carrying out enhanced searches for alleged criminals. Individuals entering or leaving these sections will also searched.

The announcement is in addition to the ongoing state of emergency that is scheduled to last through at least Dec. 17 and has been extended eight times with approval from Congress. The state of emergency enables authorities to suspend some civil liberties, such as prohibiting certain gatherings and carrying out arrests without warrants. Legal defendants will have their rights to defense limited and may be held in preventive detention for up to 15 days. Furthermore, authorities are legally permitted to intercept correspondence and telecommunications. Enhanced security measures are in place in prisons nationwide. Most business operations, religious gatherings, sports events, and academic activities may continue as usual unless authorities state otherwise.

Increased security measures are likely in urban centers nationwide, particularly in lower-income neighborhoods where violent crime is a concern. Business and transport disruptions are likely as security forces conduct searches of cargo and vehicles.

Context

Authorities had initially declared a 30-day nationwide state of emergency in El Salvador March 27 to combat a wave of gang-related murders. Since the beginning of the state of emergency, authorities have made more than 55,000 arrests of what officials say were suspected gang members. Human rights groups have claimed that some of these have included arbitrary arrests of individuals who are not working with gangs.

Advice

Heed the instructions of security personnel. Plan accordingly for possible travel and freight shipping delays due to checkpoints and tighter security inspections. Comply with the directives of authorities. Monitor local news sources for more information on localized security measures.