Costa Rica Agrees to Accept Up to 25 Deported Migrants Per Week from the US in Latest Trump Administration “Third-Country” Deal

Costa Rica agrees to accept up to 25 deported migrants per week from the US in latest Trump administration "third-country" deal.

San José, Costa Rica – April 2, 2026 — Costa Rica has become the latest Central American nation to sign a controversial agreement with the United States, committing to receive up to 25 deported migrants per week as part of President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration enforcement strategy.

The deal, described by Costa Rican officials as a “non-binding migration agreement,” allows the US to send non-Costa Rican nationals — primarily from countries that refuse to accept their own citizens back — to Costa Rica as a temporary humanitarian transit point. Upon arrival, the migrants will receive limited legal status on humanitarian grounds while Costa Rican authorities assist with their eventual return to their countries of origin.

Public Security Minister Mario Zamora clarified the government's rationale in a statement: "Costa Rica feels compelled to respond in kind when the United States and its immigration services require the humanitarian assistance of Costa Rican authorities." He mentioned that the US will offer financial assistance for housing, food, and logistical coordination.

Details of the Agreement

• Capacity: Up to 25 migrants per week (approximately 1,300 per year)

• Eligibility: Migrants without criminal records, primarily from non-Latin American countries whose home governments refuse repatriation

• Process: The US must provide 48 hours’ advance notice before any deportation flight

• Support: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is expected to assist with basic services and reintegration options upon arrival

• Duration: The agreement is described as voluntary, with Costa Rica retaining the right to accept or reject individual cases

The pact was signed during a visit by Kristi Noem, former Homeland Security Secretary and now special envoy for the Trump administration’s “Shield of the Americas” initiative, which aims to combat criminal cartels and strengthen regional cooperation on migration and security.

Part of a Broader Trump Deportation Strategy

Costa Rica joins a growing list of countries cooperating with the Trump administration’s use of “third-country” deportations — a policy that sends migrants to nations other than their own when direct repatriation is not possible. Similar arrangements have already been made with Panama and other nations in the region.

Critics, including Democratic lawmakers in the US Congress, have raised concerns about the human and financial costs of these deals. A February 2026 Senate report highlighted that the Trump administration has already spent at least $40 million on third-country deportations, with limited oversight on what happens to migrants after arrival. Some deportees have described being “thrown out like baggage” to countries where they do not speak the language and have no support network.

In one high-profile case from early 2025, nearly 200 asylum seekers — including families from Asia and Africa — were deported to Costa Rica in chains after being denied protection claims in the US. Many remain in legal limbo more than a year later.

Costa Rica’s Position and Humanitarian Concerns

Costa Rican officials insist the agreement is limited and humanitarian in nature. The country will only accept individuals without criminal records and will work with the IOM to provide temporary shelter and assistance in returning home or pursuing other legal pathways.

However, human rights advocates worry that the deal could strain Costa Rica’s resources and expose vulnerable migrants to uncertain conditions. Questions remain about long-term outcomes for those who cannot safely return to their countries of origin.

The US Department of State defended the policy, stating that “implementing the Trump Administration’s immigration policies is a top priority” and reiterating its commitment to border security.

What Happens Next?

Costa Rican and US authorities, along with IOM officials, are scheduled to meet this week to finalize logistics, including where deportees will be housed upon arrival.

This latest agreement underscores the Trump administration’s determination to accelerate mass deportations through creative regional partnerships, while raising ongoing debates about the balance between enforcement, humanitarian obligations, and international cooperation.

For the latest updates on US immigration policy, third-country deportation deals, and Central American migration developments in 2026, explore our complete collection here: USA Visa & Immigration Updates

As the Trump administration ramps up its deportation efforts, Costa Rica’s decision to accept up to 25 migrants weekly highlights the complex diplomatic and humanitarian challenges facing the region in 2026.