On 21 May 2025, the Legislative Assembly of El Salvador approved a Foreign Agents Law. The new law requires individuals and organizations receiving funds from abroad to register with the Ministry of the Interior and pay a 30% tax on such contributions. It also prohibits these entities from engaging in political activities that could disrupt public order or threaten national stability. Penalties for noncompliance include fines of up to $250,000 and possible revocation of legal status.
The Foreign Agents Law poses a significant threat to freedom of expression and association in El Salvador, giving the government tools to control and punish organizations and media outlets that receive international support.
Organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have raised concerns, warning that the law grants the government broad discretionary powers to control and restrict the work of civil society groups and independent media. They criticize the vagueness of the legislation, which could be used to silence government critics.