Alleged gang members arrive at new mega-prison in El Salvador

New photos out of El Salvador show 2,000 alleged gang members packed into the country’s largest brand-new prison. NBC’s Valerie Castro explains why the nation’s president hails the move as a victory while human rights groups are sounding the alarm.

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[fatimadepaz]

As a Salvadoran myself... all I can say is that the people living in El Salvador know exactly what was like living with fear because of the gangs. And their opinion matters so much. So many people, even my own family members back home tell me that it feels so much safer now. I really hope that the country continues to be safe for all of its people and that some day young people and children are not dragged anymore into the gangs.

[AlexZ-lcnl]

Only people in cozy situations say this is barbaric. For us who’ve lived it…I applaud the president for cleaning up El Salvador. Human rights advocate groups never did a single thing to stop the crimes done by these gangs….best president in all Latin America.

[EdwardGutierrez]

The president did what he said he was going to do, mad respect.

[disregardthat]

as a Honduran whose country also went through similar troubles (and still is), I am so happy for the people of El Salvador. you have your country back, and you deserve to enjoy it

[vincelemaire]

As a European I can only applaud the Citizens of El Savador and their President for such a great example of tackling crime. 👍

[birdman]

These gang members no longer deserve their dignity for the things they’ve done to the innocent, I support everything the El Salvadoran government is doing. Bravo.

[Kristie-xxrt]

I just traveled to El Salvador by myself and it was beyond safe now! The people are so happy and traveling around their own country, which they were not able to do. The stories I heard from the people were terrifying. What a beautiful country and beautiful people!

[owenhoong]

That lady worried about human rights should voluntary go in the prison to check them individually without prison guard. Let's see if she'll get human rights there by those inmates

[Tastytinytofu]

I have a family member in El Salvador who was forced out of her house years ago because of the gangs and she was finally able to move back into her house thanks to these arrests. I have no sympathy for these demons.

[edenjeager]

Those people from human rights forgot that people have the right to live without fears of being assaults or killed by those who have not respect for human rights. Those criminals have not respect for human rights

[solideomusical]

There is always someone who speaks out against good and comes to the defense of evil.

[rd-cvvm]

You have to act like a human first before claiming human rights

[tamarockstar]

Bro this man is making real change! He is actually cleaning up the streets and doing what should’ve been done!

[sumowang]

El Salvadorans are not complaining. Only foreigners who have no idea about how bad it was before, are complaining. Crime spreads through the indulgence of society.

[steve]

That human rights woman on the right side of the screen, she's part of the problem

[brandonsutton]

Congratulations El Salvador and the citizens! What a wonderful accomplishment and im so glad you all feel safer! Every human deserves to live their life IN PEACE!

[tioswift]

As a USA citizen, I applaud El Salvador for putting these measures in place. We could learn a lot from you great people in El Salvador from your resilience and bravery.

[ENTJ]

He is doing what is BEST for his NATION.

[Bryanpena]

As a Guatemalan, I see and understand the drastic decisions. This is a very complex issue, an issue that if you have not gone through you just would not understand. This is far different than the justice system in the US. Gang violence has plagued all Central America thanks to the efforts of the CIA ( USA govt and beneficiaries in general) for decades, so being able to walk outside safely is such a night and day contrast to what it was before. This may not be a perfect solution, few innocent people have been and will continue to suffer from the consequences, but seeing how many lives have been saved or spared or how much happiness this brings to the people of El Salvador brings me to the conclusion that this may just be the best option for this situation. I applaud the president of El Salvador.

[valley]

& this folks is how criminals need to be treated