Bukele Reveals Initiative to Release Half of Gang-related Detainees

WHO:

ABC News World - President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador

Fox News - President Nayib Bukele of El Salvador

WHAT:

ABC News World - President Bukele announced a plan to release up to 50% of those imprisoned under a state of emergency.

Fox News - The plan involves freeing up to half of 90,000 detainees arrested under the state of emergency targeting gangs.

WHERE:

ABC News World - El Salvador

Fox News - El Salvador

WHY:

ABC News World - The initiative is part of a broader response to the state of emergency declared to combat gang violence.

Fox News - The state of emergency was implemented to address issues related to gang activity.

HOW:

ABC News World - The release plan is part of the government's strategy to manage the large number of detainees.

Fox News - The government is considering the release of detainees as part of its ongoing efforts to reform the criminal justice system.

(UPDATED October 15, 2026 08:02 UTC)

President Bukele of El Salvador has announced a plan to release up to 50 percent of the 90,000 detainees who were arrested under a state of emergency aimed at combating gang violence. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to manage the large number of imprisoned individuals and reform the criminal justice system. The state of emergency was declared to address escalating issues related to gang activity in the country.