Inside the “Worst Prison on Earth” Where Inmates Must Follow One Harsh Rule — and US Citizens Could Be Sent There

El Salvador’s Centre for the Confinement of Terrorism, widely known as CECOT, has become one of the most closely watched prison facilities in the world. Located approximately 70 kilometers east of San Salvador, the complex covers a large secured area and was constructed as part of President Nayib Bukele’s national security strategy.

Since its opening in February 2023, it has been presented by the Salvadoran government as a central tool in combating gang-related violence and organized crime.