Representative Priscilla Vindas denounced the situation as a “kidnapping,” referring to the migrants held at a detention center in southern Costa Rica under an agreement with Washington. She stated that “there is no other word” to describe their plight.

Vindas highlighted the severity of the situation, noting that the Ombudsman’s Office had reported the lack of suitable facilities upon their arrival. Migrants were immediately bussed to the Temporary Migrant Care Center (CATEM) without medical evaluations, enduring a 6-7 hour journey.

She further emphasized the poor conditions, stating that minors, pregnant women, and the elderly were deprived of rest and proper nourishment, expressing distress and seeking help to inform their families of their location.

Vindas criticized the unfulfilled promises made by President Rodrigo Chaves regarding Washington’s pledge to process the deportees through the U.S. Embassy, cover all fees for a 5-6 week stay, and then facilitate their return to their home countries.

According to Vindas, the migrants are being marginalized, lacking resources for onward travel to Panama. After five days at CATEM, they face homelessness while others receive assistance to reach their destinations. She also cited a lack of transparency in CATEM operations, limited oversight by organizations, and improvisation by Costa Rican and Panamanian governments, exacerbated by pressure from the United States.

Costa Rica reported the departure of the first group of these migrants on February 28th. The deportees originate from Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, as well as Ghana, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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