A mass trial began Monday in El Salvador against 486 alleged members of the Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) gang, including several accused leaders, in what prosecutors are calling the largest criminal proceeding against the powerful Central American organization.
Background
The trial marks a pivotal moment in President Nayib Bukele's aggressive anti-gang campaign, which began in March 2022 after the gang was accused of killing 87 people in a single weekend. That wave of violence prompted Bukele to declare a "war" on gangs, claiming the groups controlled 80 percent of Salvadoran territory.
The mass trial proceedings stem from arrests made under a state of emergency that has been in place since 2022. More than 91,000 suspected gang members have been detained, including thousands who were later declared innocent. The crackdown has dramatically reduced crime rates, transforming El Salvador from one of Latin America's most dangerous countries to one of its safest.
MS-13 and the rival Barrio 18 gang originated among Salvadoran youth in Los Angeles and later spread to El Salvador, where they have operated drug trafficking rings and extortion rackets for more than three decades. The Trump administration has designated both groups as terrorist organizations.
The Charges
The Attorney General's Office announced that the 486 defendants face charges for 47,000 crimes committed between 2012 and 2022, including approximately 29,000 homicides. The charges include rebellion — a charge rarely used against criminal organizations — with prosecutors alleging MS-13 sought to "establish a parallel state."
The indictment includes members of the gang's national leadership, street-level leaders, program coordinators from across the country, and founders. State prosecutors said they have "ample evidence to request the maximum sentences" against the defendants, though they did not specify whether that means life imprisonment.
At the trial's opening, the judge stated that armed groups had disturbed "the peace of the Salvadoran population and the security of the state" for decades and would be tried "with the full force of the law." The proceedings are being conducted via video-link from prison, with anonymous judges handing down punishments to large groups of defendants.
Key Takeaways
- 486 alleged MS-13 members are on trial for 47,000 crimes spanning 2012-2022
- Charges include 29,000 homicides and the rare charge of rebellion
- The trial includes alleged national leadership, street leaders and founders
- More than 91,000 suspected gang members have been arrested since 2022
- Human rights groups warn of due process violations in mass proceedings
- President Bukele's crackdown has drastically reduced crime but drawn criticism
What's Next
The mass trial is expected to continue for several weeks as prosecutors present evidence against the large group of defendants. Human Rights Watch and regional NGO Cristosal have warned that mass trials risk innocent people being punished for crimes committed by others. The Salvadoran government has faced international scrutiny over reports of torture and more than 500 deaths in prison during the detention campaign.