Exclusive: US Plans to Fund Deportations From Costa Rica, Document Reveals

The United States 🇺🇸 funded and coordinated the deportation of about 200 migrants—including 81 children—from the U.S. to Costa Rica 🇨🇷 on two flights in late February 2025. This action, carried out under a bilateral agreement between the Trump administration and Costa Rica’s government, marks a major shift in how the U.S. handles asylum seekers and migrants from countries like Afghanistan, China, Iran, and Russia. The move has sparked legal challenges, human rights concerns, and left many migrants in legal limbo.

Key Events and Timeline

On January 20, 2025, President Trump took office and immediately issued a proclamation ending access to asylum for people crossing the border “illegally.” This order also canceled all pending CBP One asylum appointments, leaving thousands of migrants stranded and uncertain about their futures. Just a month later, in late February, two U.S.-funded flights deported 200 third-country nationals—including families and children—to Costa Rica. The U.S. paid for the flights and covered the costs of their detention and basic needs in Costa Rica.

By March, human rights groups in Costa Rica filed lawsuits, arguing that the rights of detained migrants, especially children, were being violated. In April, Costa Rica responded by granting a special humanitarian status (Resolution D.JUR-0135-04-2025-JM-ABM) to the deportees, allowing them temporary legal protection and freedom of movement within the country. However, reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch and CEJIL in May documented ongoing problems, including arbitrary detention, lack of access to asylum procedures, and poor living conditions.

On June 24, 2025, Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber ordered the release of the remaining detained migrants and told authorities to clarify their immigration status and provide access to healthcare, education, and social assistance. As of August 1, 2025, most deportees have temporary humanitarian protection, but many still face an uncertain future.

Current Status and Conditions

Most of the deported migrants now have temporary humanitarian status, which lets them move freely within Costa Rica and protects them from being sent back to countries where they might face danger. However, this status is only temporary, and there is no clear path to permanent residency or full integration into Costa Rican society. Many migrants remain in legal limbo, unsure if they will ever be able to settle down or reunite with family members.

Initially, all deportees were held at the CATEM detention center near Costa Rica’s border with Panama. Their passports and documents were taken, and they were not allowed to leave. After the court order in June, all but 28 migrants (including 13 minors) have been released. Some have chosen to return to their home countries voluntarily, but most remain in Costa Rica, hoping for a more stable solution.

Human rights groups continue to criticize both the U.S. and Costa Rican governments for violating international protection norms, especially the principle of non-refoulement. This principle says that people should not be sent back to countries where they could face harm or persecution.

Policy Details and Practical Implications

The Trump administration’s policy of funding deportations to Costa Rica is part of a broader strategy to remove asylum seekers and migrants from the United States 🇺🇸, especially those from countries with ongoing conflict or authoritarian governments. Similar deportations have also taken place to Panama and El Salvador.

Costa Rican officials, including President Rodrigo Chaves and Vice Minister Omer Badilla, have admitted that they accepted the deportees under strong economic and political pressure from the U.S. They feared that refusing the agreement could lead to trade problems or other negative consequences for Costa Rica 🇨🇷. However, neither government has published the full text of the deportation agreement. Instead, officials described it as a “verbal agreement,” which has led to criticism for its lack of transparency and public oversight.

The affected migrants come from countries such as Afghanistan, Iran, China, Russia, and Armenia. Many had been waiting for U.S. asylum appointments for months before being suddenly expelled. The conditions in the CATEM detention center were widely condemned, especially for children. Migrants were denied access to education, legal help, and proper healthcare. While the new humanitarian status offers some relief, it does not guarantee long-term integration or access to all rights.

Stakeholders and Official Statements

Costa Rican leaders have tried to balance their country’s humanitarian obligations with the reality of limited resources and U.S. pressure. President Chaves and General Director of Migration Omer Badilla have defended their actions as necessary, but not ideal. “We did what we had to do under the circumstances,” one official said, pointing to the risk of damaging relations with the United States 🇺🇸.

The Trump administration has defended the policy as a needed step for border security. Officials say the deportees were not accused of serious crimes, only minor immigration violations. “We are enforcing our laws and protecting our borders,” a U.S. spokesperson stated.

Human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch, Human Rights First, CEJIL, AFSC, and SJM-CR, have strongly condemned the agreement. They argue that it violates international law and puts vulnerable people at risk. “These deportations are illegal and inhumane,” said a representative from Human Rights Watch. “The U.S. and Costa Rica must respect the rights of migrants and asylum seekers.”

Procedural Details and Legal Process

When the migrants arrived in Costa Rica, they were detained at the CATEM center and had their documents taken away. Legal challenges soon followed, with Costa Rican courts ordering their release and requiring authorities to clarify their status and provide essential services.

Migrants can apply for asylum or humanitarian protection in Costa Rica, but the process is slow and complicated. Costa Rica is already dealing with a backlog of over 200,000 asylum applications, making it hard for new arrivals to get timely help. The humanitarian status granted in April allows temporary protection, but does not guarantee a long-term solution.

For more information on Costa Rica’s immigration procedures, readers can visit the Costa Rican General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners, which provides official updates and resources for migrants.

Future Outlook and Ongoing Challenges

The June 2025 court ruling is expected to set a legal precedent, making similar future agreements less likely. Legal scholars believe this decision will strengthen judicial oversight of migration policy in Costa Rica and protect the rights of migrants in the future.

However, Costa Rica faces serious challenges in integrating these new arrivals. The country has limited resources, shelter capacity is stretched, and the asylum system is overwhelmed. Many deportees remain in legal limbo, unsure if they will ever be able to settle down or reunite with family members.

Human rights groups are calling on the international community to help by offering resettlement options or additional support for affected migrants. They argue that Costa Rica cannot handle the burden alone and that the U.S. should take more responsibility for the people it has deported.

Multiple Perspectives

• U.S. government: Sees the policy as necessary for border security and law enforcement.
• Costa Rican government: Tries to balance humanitarian duties with economic and political realities, often under pressure from the U.S.
• Human rights organizations: Universally condemn the practice as illegal and harmful to vulnerable people.
• Migrants: Feel fear, confusion, and a sense of abandonment. Many face ongoing legal and social uncertainty, unsure what the future holds.

Practical Guidance for Affected Migrants

• Seek Legal Help: Migrants in Costa Rica should contact organizations like Human Rights Watch, CEJIL, AFSC, or SJM-CR for legal assistance and support.
• Apply for Humanitarian Status: Those affected can apply for temporary protection, but should be aware of the slow process and possible delays.
• Monitor Official Updates: Stay informed by checking the Costa Rican General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners for the latest information on status and rights.
• Document Everything: Keep copies of all documents, court orders, and communications with authorities.

Summary Table: U.S.-Funded Deportations to Costa Rica (2025)

Expert Analysis and Conclusion

As reported by VisaVerge.com, experts warn that these third-country deportations violate both U.S. and international refugee law, especially the principle of non-refoulement. Costa Rican officials admit the agreement was made under pressure and is not sustainable. Legal scholars expect the June 2025 court ruling to deter similar future agreements and strengthen oversight of migration policy.

As of August 1, 2025, the U.S. continues to fund and coordinate deportations to Costa Rica under a controversial and legally challenged agreement. Most deportees have temporary humanitarian status, but face uncertain futures amid ongoing legal, humanitarian, and political disputes. The situation remains fluid, and affected migrants should seek legal help and stay informed about their rights and options.