![In Honduras and El Salvador, leaders Xiomara Castro and Nayib Bukele are attempting to combat gang violence.](https://www.worldpoliticsreview.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/honduras-gangs-violence-xiomara-castro-bukele-el-salvador-07252023-1.jpg?w=519&h=259&crop=1)
Upon taking office in January 2022, Honduran President Xiomara Castro promised to demilitarize public security. Instead, after a series of high-profile episodes of violence, she has mimicked the rhetoric and methods employed by Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele, hoping to exploit its apparent efficacy, but especially its popular appeal.