In a progressive move, Costa Rican officials have announced their intentions to assist dozens of migrants who were forcibly deported from the United States under the previous Trump administration. Starting this week, the country has enabled these individuals to legally remain in Costa Rica, integrate into society, or opt to leave if they wish.
Omer Badilla, chief of Costa Rica’s migration authority, confirmed that many of these migrants, detained since February in a remote facility, would be receiving their passports and vital documents this week. He assured The New York Times that this measure aims to safeguard those who might face persecution upon return to their homeland. “If the person has a well-founded fear of returning to their country, we will never send them back,” Badilla stressed, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protection.
The announcement follows a growing chorus of criticism from human rights groups, the country’s ombudsman, and an international coalition of lawyers who condemned Costa Rica’s treatment of these migrants. They alleged violations of rights and wrongful detainment practices, urging the government to revisit its stance.
In February alone, a group of 200 migrants from nations such as China, Iran, Russia, and Afghanistan arrived in Costa Rica after being part of a mass deportation initiative. These individuals were placed in a formerly operational pencil factory turned detention center located near the Panama border. Costa Rica's recent measures mark a critical step towards addressing concerns about the treatment of deported migrants and reinforcing the nation's dedication to humane immigration policies.
Omer Badilla, chief of Costa Rica’s migration authority, confirmed that many of these migrants, detained since February in a remote facility, would be receiving their passports and vital documents this week. He assured The New York Times that this measure aims to safeguard those who might face persecution upon return to their homeland. “If the person has a well-founded fear of returning to their country, we will never send them back,” Badilla stressed, emphasizing the government’s commitment to protection.
The announcement follows a growing chorus of criticism from human rights groups, the country’s ombudsman, and an international coalition of lawyers who condemned Costa Rica’s treatment of these migrants. They alleged violations of rights and wrongful detainment practices, urging the government to revisit its stance.
In February alone, a group of 200 migrants from nations such as China, Iran, Russia, and Afghanistan arrived in Costa Rica after being part of a mass deportation initiative. These individuals were placed in a formerly operational pencil factory turned detention center located near the Panama border. Costa Rica's recent measures mark a critical step towards addressing concerns about the treatment of deported migrants and reinforcing the nation's dedication to humane immigration policies.
