In a significant move reflecting the Trump administration's intensified efforts to curb illegal immigration, 135 migrants from various countries were deported from the United States to Costa Rica on Thursday, February 20, 2025. This group included 65 minors, all accompanied by relatives, and individuals from nations such as Russia, Afghanistan, China, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Ghana, Vietnam, Jordan, and Kazakhstan.
The deportation flight departed from San Diego, California, and arrived at a base adjacent to Juan Santamaria International Airport in San José, Costa Rica's capital. Upon arrival, the migrants were transported by bus to a facility near the Panamanian border, approximately 360 kilometers from San José. Costa Rican Deputy Interior Minister Omer Badilla confirmed that none of the deportees had a criminal record.
This operation marks the first instance of migrants being deported to Costa Rica under the current U.S. administration's policy, which seeks to collaborate with Central American nations to manage migration flows. Costa Rica, along with Panama and Guatemala, has agreed to temporarily host deported migrants until they can be repatriated to their countries of origin or relocated to other host nations.
The Trump administration has been actively pressuring countries in the region to assist in facilitating deportations, at times leveraging threats of tariffs or sanctions to secure cooperation. This strategy aims to deter illegal crossings at the U.S. southern border and address the complex challenges posed by global migration patterns.
As these policies unfold, they continue to generate debate and concern among human rights organizations and international communities regarding the treatment and welfare of migrants, especially minors, during the deportation and resettlement processes.
Source: Legit.ng