I live in Nicaragua (I'm American) and can say that while yes he does have his critics in Central America, he's overwhelmingly supported in El Salvador and the people are actually safe, which is not normal for the last several decades.
Sometimes extreme measures are needed. It's like he said when this started, (paraphrasing) "Where were all these countries when we needed help. Where was their training, money, equipment, etc.? Our people are dying and we've had enough! So the world ignored us before and now they want to criticize us. We don't care."
I caught the /s.
I was wondering about this because I understood (perhaps incorrectly) that these powers only exist during the state of emergency. Once it's declared over, it's no longer possible?
Of course you're right, there is already overreaching happening. Since you live there, let me ask you, how do you feel safety wise?
For instance here in Nicaragua, it's extremely safe. Violence is basically non-existent (especially coming from Los Angeles where violence is rampant). But of course the government is what it is. So is the trade off worth it?