AP Photographer Describes El Salvador Prison Tour with Kristi Noem

Prison Tour Overview

• 📸 An AP photographer accompanied Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on a tour of a high-security prison in El Salvador.
• 🛡️ The tour included viewing an armory with rifles and riot gear, including shields and batons, prepared for potential uprisings.

Cell Block Observations

• ⛓️ Two cell blocks were toured, each containing 32 cells where prisoners slept in white t-shirts and shorts.
• 👤 Prisoners displayed extensive tattoos, including facial tattoos, with some indicating affiliation with MS-13.
• 🚨 Guard towers were manned, and numerous armed officers were present, indicating a high state of readiness.

Incident During Tour

• 🗣️ While leaving one cell block, the photographer heard shouting but did not know its cause or context.