Staff Reports
In a move that should leave no doubt about the Trump administration’s commitment to border security, a U.S. flight packed with 135 deportees, including a substantial number of minors, has been set for an unconventional stopover in Costa Rica. This latest effort at expediting deportation reflects a growing trend of using Latin American countries as layover points for those who don’t quite understand the concept of legal immigration. The returnees will be whisked from Costa Rica’s capital to a rural holding facility near the Panama border, where they will languish for up to 30 days, all courtesy of American taxpayers.
The logistics of this deportation bonanza are part of a deal struck during a recent visit by Secretary of State Marco Rubio. While such agreements have faced scrutiny from those who prioritize thoughts and feelings over law and order, there is a certain practicality to employing third countries as layover stops. After all, this arrangement potentially eases the burden on America’s immigration system, giving a much-required nudge to those who believe the path to citizenship is just a hop, skip, and jump away—through Mexico, Central America, and back again.
Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves made it abundantly clear that his nation is assisting its “economically powerful brother from the north” when it comes to these deportation efforts. This cooperation may lead to Costa Rica benefitting from U.S. economic relations, but it also underscores the lengths to which the Trump administration will go to ensure that those who enter the U.S. unlawfully face the music. Human rights advocates may howl in anguish, but for those concerned about the integrity of U.S. borders, this deal is about as welcome as a snowstorm in July.
However, the critics have found their soapboxes, particularly concerning the conditions in which these deportees will wait. Rumors of inadequate facilities and overcrowding swirl palpably, especially given the facility’s past. Apparently, some detainees feel akin to prisoners, reflecting poorly on Costa Rica’s self-proclaimed human rights guarantees. Maybe they expected a beach vacation instead of a detention camp? One can only wonder what part of “voluntary return” is icing on the cake for those hoping to stay in America.
A U.S. flight carrying 135 deportees, half of them minors, from various countries was set to land Thursday in Costa Rica, making it the second Latin American nation to serve as a stopover as U.S. President Donald Trump's administration steps up… https://t.co/F3gXGAw2Vo
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) February 21, 2025
Yet, while some would have everyone believe that the government isn’t equipped to handle such situations humanely, Costa Rica insists that it will maintain its “ethical and moral commitment” to protect human rights. The U.N. and Red Cross have even been roped into providing “support” for these individuals, which raises eyebrows and concerns from others who fear that this well-intentioned meddling could lead to even more complicated immigration dilemmas.
Thus, this unusual travel arrangement spits in the face of those who argue against the effectiveness of stringent immigration policies. The quintessential message of the Trump administration remains clear: if you don’t want to stand in line (or follow legal procedures), you may just get a first-class ticket back to where you came from—whether you like it or not. The truth hurts, but someone has to send the message.
