Costa Rica has joined Panama in detaining U.S. deportees, accepting a flight with 135 individuals, including many minors. Migrants will be held in a facility near the border for up to 30 days. The arrangements emerge from recent agreements with the Trump administration, facing criticism for potential human rights violations. Costa Rica aims to ensure humane treatment during the deportation process and is also addressing the return of migrants from other countries.
Costa Rica has become the second Latin American country, after Panama, to detain deportees from the United States. A U.S. flight with 135 deportees, including numerous minors from various countries, is expected to arrive in Costa Rica, marking a continuation of increased deportation efforts under the Trump administration. Upon arrival, the migrants will be transferred to a rural holding area near the Panama border, where they may remain for up to 30 days while arrangements are made for their return to their home countries, with the U.S. government covering the associated costs.
This arrangement is part of a broader agreement established during U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s recent visit to Costa Rica. Similar agreements have been made with other Latin American countries, although employing third countries as deportation stopovers has faced backlash from human rights organizations. Activists are concerned about the treatment of deportees in detention and the potential impact on asylum seekers, particularly in terms of their safety and rights.
Notably, Honduras has also participated in receiving deportees from the U.S.; a flight with 170 Venezuelans recently landed at a U.S.-Honduran military base, where they were transferred to Venezuelan aircraft. This operation has been characterized by the Honduran government as a “humanitarian bridge.” Nevertheless, this is not intended as a regular procedure, and Honduras remains open to facilitating such transfers in the future.
President Rodrigo Chaves of Costa Rica has publicly stated the nation’s support for the U.S., which he referred to as an “economically powerful brother.” This comes amidst pressures from the Trump administration for regional allies to assist with depopulation efforts, sometimes under the threat of imposing tariffs.
Earlier this week, Panama was the first country to accept deportees, housing them in hotel rooms under police supervision. However, some individuals who refused voluntary returns were detained in a remote camp. In contrast, Deputy Minister Omer Badilla of Costa Rica stated that intensive measures are being taken to avoid such practices in his country.
The deportation flight consists primarily of families, including numerous children and pregnant women. According to Badilla, most deportees have reportedly agreed to return voluntarily. In cases where individuals refuse, Costa Rica is considering offering asylum or helping coordinate safe passage to other nations with the assistance of the U.N.’s International Organization for Migration.
Costa Rica emphasizes its commitment to human rights when handling these deportees. The government plans to ensure their return to safe environments, viewing this as an ethical obligation. U.N. officials along with Red Cross representatives will accompany the migrants at the holding facility to uphold their rights.
Though the former factory used for this holding has been criticized for inadequate conditions, Badilla assures improvements have been made. Observations from past visits revealed overcrowded spaces and poor sanitary conditions, prompting concern regarding the treatment of detainees. As of now, Costa Rica is also processing a flow of migrants from countries such as Venezuela and Colombia who wish to return home after previously seeking asylum in the U.S.
Costa Rica’s recent decision to detain U.S. deportees highlights ongoing regional cooperation in handling immigration and deportation amid U.S. policy pressures. While Costa Rica aims to provide humane treatment and rights protection for migrants, concerns over their conditions and the broader implications for asylum seekers remain critical factors for human rights advocates. The situation in Costa Rica reflects a nuanced balance between international obligations and domestic policies regarding migration and asylum.
Original Source: www.independent.co.uk
