Representative Priscilla Vindas has called the migrants’ stay in a southern Costa Rican detention center a “kidnapping,” arguing that no other term adequately describes the situation. She criticized the arrangement, wherein Washington sends migrants to Costa Rica under a bilateral agreement, noting that while some have departed, others remain in limbo.

Vindas highlighted the “extremely serious” situation, previously reported by the Ombudsman’s Office, and criticized the inadequate reception facilities. She stated that the migrants were immediately bussed to the Temporary Migrant Care Center (CATEM) upon arrival, bypassing immigration and without receiving necessary medical evaluations.

Vindas reported that vulnerable individuals, including minors, pregnant women, and the elderly, endured hours without proper rest or food, expressing distress and struggling to contact their families.

She questioned the unfulfilled promises made by President Rodrigo Chaves regarding the U.S. request, which included processing the deportees through the U.S. Embassy with all expenses covered, a five- to six-week stay, and subsequent repatriation.

Vindas claims the migrants are marginalized, lacking resources to reach Panama by bus. While some are provided with shelter and food until reaching their destinations, others are forced to leave CATEM after five days, becoming homeless.

She further criticized the lack of transparency regarding CATEM’s operations, limited oversight from organizations, and “improvisation” by both Costa Rican and Panamanian governments. Despite formal decrees, the situation remains unresolved, exacerbated by pressure from the United States.

Costa Rica reported the departure of the first of the 200 migrants on February 28th. The deportees originated from Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, China, Georgia, Iran, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Turkey, Uzbekistan, and Vietnam, as well as African nations like Ghana, the Republic of the Congo, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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