Is Nayib Bukele's 'Iron Fist' in El Salvador Working?

In El Salvador, crackdowns have led to rapid improvements in security. But there is real doubt about whether gangs are gone for good or what Bukele’s real motives may have…

Historic Judgement Shows How Guatemala Is Still Fighting Its Past

Guatemala's former President Otto Pérez Molina and former Vice President Roxana Baldetti were sentenced to 16 years in prison on December 7.

Costa Rica Struggles to Profit from Sale of Narco-Assets

In Costa Rica, the seizure of narco-assets presents more of an obstacle than a gift to authorities.

Coup de Grâce for El Salvador's Anti-Corruption Commission

The announcement of the end of El Salvador’s anti-graft commission, which had been backed by the Organization of American States, could be the nail in the coffin for international investigative…

In Brazil, Court's Decision Illustrates Corruption Probe Overreach

After Brazil's Supreme Court canceled the conviction of its former president, the country must now contend with the fallout.

Parrots, Toucans and Monkeys Delivered Across Mexico

Illegally buying endangered species via social media has grown increasingly convenient in Mexico, especially given its feeble environmental controls and increased e-commerce during the pandemic.

Biden and Central America's Anti-Corruption Crusade

Hopes are high in the Northern Triangle, that the arrival of Joseph Biden and his administration to the White House will lead to the creation of a regional commission that…

Political Elites Seek Again to Infiltrate Guatemala's High Court

Guatemala's congress has named to the country's Constitutional Court a judge who is under investigation for obstruction of justice, in a brazen attempt by political mafias to infiltrate the country's…

Why Courtroom Corruption Has Costa Rica Concerned

A string of recent arrests connecting judicial officials to drug trafficking organizations in Costa Rica have raised concerns that institutional corruption facilitating the trade is becoming more commonplace, as a…

Colombia Running Out of Incentives to Convince Armed Fighters to Surrender

The Colombian government's latest offer of legal benefits to individuals of armed groups who surrender and face justice was met with skepticism, especially since it came amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Report: Pretrial Detentions Continue to Plague Latin American Prisons

A new US report documents how pretrial detentions continue to overcrowd Latin America’s prison systems, leading to gang recruitment, violence and violations of prisoners’ human rights.

In El Salvador, Bukele’s CICIES Only Seems to Exist on Paper

El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele is launching a commission to crack down on cases of corruption and impunity among the country’s political and economic elite, but the lack of involvement…