San Quentin celebrates El Salvador, focusing on the plight of those being deported there

San Quentin Rehabilitation Center hosted its first Fiesta de San Salvador on August 8, celebrating Salvadoran culture and addressing the plight of deported inmates. Edwin Chavez, a long-incarcerated individual, led the event, which included a color guard and performances that showcased Latin heritage. Warden Chance Andes highlighted the supportive atmosphere at San Quentin, emphasizing its rehabilitative focus compared to other prisons. Guests enjoyed traditional foods, including pupusas, while listening to emotional testimonies from inmates regarding their fears of deportation. Salvadoran inmates face a stark contrast between rehabilitation in the U.

S. and the harsh conditions of El Salvador's CECOT prison, where many are sent after serving their time. Chavez, who has been incarcerated for 31 years, articulated his deep connection to his homeland and his despair over potential deportation. His brother Gabriel, released two years prior, is now struggling in CECOT, underscoring the challenges faced by Salvadorans in the U. S.

prison system. This event not only celebrated culture but also raised awareness of the complexities surrounding rehabilitation and deportation.