The prison was built in late 2022 amid a large-scale gang crackdown in the country. The Salvadoran government opened the prison in late January 2023, and it began housing inmates the following month.

The Salvadoran government rarely announces how many prisoners are incarcerated at CECOT, with only a few such public announcements since the prison opened.[19] CECOT had a reported population of 14,532 inmates in June 2024.[25] In November 2024, García estimated that between 10,000 and 20,000 inmates were housed at CECOT.[22] In March 2025, a government spokesperson declined to provide an updated figure, citing security concerns, but said that the 2024 statistic of 14,500 inmates was outdated.[26] In April 2025, García stated the population was closer to its 40,000 maximum population, but declined to give a specific number.[27]

The criteria for becoming incarcerated in CECOT is unclear;[19] all that is certain is that it houses "high-ranking" gang members.[20] Members of rival gangs are not separated. García has described those imprisoned at CECOT as "the worst of the worst".[22] Many inmates have been sentenced to centuries long sentences, while other inmates have yet to be convicted.[28] Those detained are reported to have been tried en masse with no opportunity to present counter evidence or see the evidence against them.[29][30][31]

Prisoners are only allowed outside their cells for 30 minutes of exercise, Bible study,[22] online court hearings within the prison, or for placement into solitary confinement. Prisoners are not allowed education,[32] recreation, visitation, or phone calls.[19] Prisoners are provided meals of rice, beans, eggs, and pasta, but utensils are not provided as they could potentially become weapons.[20] The Salvadoran government does not plan to release any prisoner from CECOT,[19] and Minister of Justice and Public Security Gustavo Villatoro has stated that prisoners incarcerated at CECOT will never return to their communities.[32] Villatoro also ruled out rehabilitation programs for CECOT's inmates.[22]

https://youtu.be/HKMe6vUhjJE?si=Eo9twgYi0vfjOMBh

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5712218&forum_id=2#48856285)

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5712218&forum_id=2#48856346)

they’re just a bunch of innocent dads

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5712218&forum_id=2#48856778)

https://www.reddit.com/media?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.redd.it%2Fpitjuwtlmbve1.png

(http://www.autoadmit.com/thread.php?thread_id=5712218&forum_id=2#48856514)