CECOT is one of the cornerstones of Bukele’s mano dura (iron fist) crackdown on organized crime in El Salvador. Bukele’s relentless efforts have successfully weakened the Mara Salvatrucha (MS13) and Barrio 18 gangs that once terrorized El Salvador, after decades of failed attempts by other governments. Leaders throughout Latin America are attempting to mimic Bukele’s approach, including building their own “megaprisons.” Megaprisons Around the RegionSince the opening of CECOT in 2023, there have been 16 megaprisons proposed in 10 countries around the region. While this extreme subjugation has succeeded in subduing gangs in El Salvador, political opposition, civic resistance, and financial restrictions hinder other countries from replicating the model.