Anti-Gang Initiatives in the United States and Latin America

Tuesday, October 21, 2025

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM MT

Location: 401/402, Colorado Convention Center

Criminal gangs in Latin America are increasingly expanding into transnational organized crime, contributing to regional political instability and posing a growing threat to U.S. security and prosperity. The influence of external actors, including cartels and rebel groups, has intensified violence at both local and transnational levels in pursuit of illicit objectives. This panel will examine anti-gang efforts in Ecuador, El Salvador, and other Latin American countries, highlighting successful strategies to reduce violence, foster community safety, and decrease gang affiliation. The discussion will also explore how these collaborative efforts enhance security both abroad and within the United States. Featuring distinguished international and U.S. speakers, the panel will showcase U.S.-led strategies to combat gang violence through regional partnerships and coordinated action.

Submitter and Speaker(s)

Kara L. Rose

Senior Police Advisor
U.S. Department of State, Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement (INL)
Washington, District of Columbia, United States

Speaker(s)

JM

Jaime Magallon

Supervisory Special Agent, Assistant Legal Attache to El Salvadore
U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
HV

Hector Gustavo Villatoro Funes

Minister
Ministry of Justice and Security, El Salvador
Paola Escobar

Undersecretary for Citizen Security and Crime and Violence Prevention
Ministry of Interior, Ecuador