Bukele and Fernández Sign Security Pact Amid Controversy Over 'Mano Dura'

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele and Costa Rica's President Laura Fernández signed a bilateral agreement against transnational crime on October 17, 2026, during Fernández's three-day official visit to San Salvador. Bukele declared that El Salvador's homicide reduction is 'the most extreme in the history of humanity' and touted his security model as a global standard Source: Infobae. Fernández, who inaugurated a new maximum-security prison in Costa Rica inspired by El Salvador's CECOT, defended her 'mano dura' approach while insisting it does not mean abandoning human rights Source: Listín Diario.

The Security Pact

During a joint press conference, Bukele stated that Fernández 'is fighting firmly to bring peace to Costa Ricans' and emphasized that combating crime requires legal reforms, financial intelligence, and coordinated police operations Source: infobae. Fernández thanked Bukele for the cooperation and said, 'The security of our citizens is not negotiable' Source: infobae. She described the CECOT as 'a monument to justice' after touring the facility Source: Listín Diario.

Domestic and International Criticism

While Bukele and Fernández celebrated the partnership, critics and human rights groups raised alarms. UN experts have warned that abuses during El Salvador's anti-gang crackdown could constitute crimes against humanity Source: Listín Diario. The Salvadoran organization Socorro Jurídico claims that a third of the 93,000 detainees under the state of exception are innocent and has reported over 500 deaths in state custody Source: Listín Diario. Fernández acknowledged opposition to her legal reforms in Costa Rica, describing the judiciary's release of criminals as 'an elephant in a china shop' Source: Listín Diario.

Key Points

• Bukele's claim: The homicide reduction in El Salvador is 'the most extreme in the history of humanity' Source: Infobae.
• Fernández's stance: She defended 'mano dura' but said it does not mean 'renouncing the human rights that our country has historically defended' Source: Listín Diario.
• Cooperation: The agreement includes technical assistance, intelligence sharing, and prison infrastructure collaboration Source: infobae.
• Controversy: Human rights organizations and UN experts have criticized the Salvadoran model for alleged abuses and arbitrary detentions Source: Listín Diario.