Costa Rica has followed suit alongside Panama and Guatemala in committing to repatriate illegal migrants deported from the US. On Monday, the Central American nation confirmed its facilitation of the repatriation of 200 migrants, mainly from Central Asia and India.
A statement issued by Costa Rica’s presidential office set out plans for their arrival on a commercial flight from the US on Wednesday.
Costa Rica’s Role in Migrant Repatriation
“The Government of Costa Rica agreed to cooperate with the United States for the repatriation of 200 illegal migrants to their country,” said a statement from the office of the Costa Rican President. The migrants will be taken to a Temporary Migrant Care Center close to Costa Rica’s border with Panama. They will then be transferred to their countries of origin.
The operation, from the flight to the housing, will be completely sponsored by the US government. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) will run the operation to secure its smooth completion.
Costa Rica Takes Leaf from Panama and Guatemala’s Book
Costa Rica announced Panama and Guatemala signing similar deals with the US. In these agreements, Central American nations help repatriate migrants who crossed into the US illegally. Panama had already taken its first repatriation flight, which brought 119 migrants, mostly from China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. Guatemala has not yet taken deported migrants.
Trump’s Tough Stance on Immigration
The move comes after the stringent immigration measures adopted by US President Donald Trump. Since becoming President in January, Trump has been strong in his move against illegal migrants, vowing to deport “millions and millions” of individuals.
There are currently an estimated 11 million illegal migrants in the US. Most of them hails from Latin America, AFP quotes. Migrants are at times exposed to perilous trips, having to traverse hostile territories, wild animals, and criminal gangs.
As Costa Rica aligns itself with its Central American neighbors, it further solidifies the partnership between Latin America and the US in addressing illegal migration while still confronting the broader issue of immigration reform.
