Costa Rica Accepts Second Group of U.S. Deportees Amid Controversial Policy

Costa Rica has recently received a second group of migrants deported from the United States as part of a bilateral agreement aimed at facilitating the Trump administration's policy of deporting immigrants to "third countries." This agreement, signed in March 2026 by Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves and U.S. Special Envoy Kristi Noem, allows Costa Rica to accept up to 25 third-country nationals expelled from the U.S. each week. The latest group, which arrived on April 17, 2026, included 30 individuals from ten different countries, including an Indian national.

The HinduIndian National Among 30 Deportees in Second U.S.-to-Costa Rica Third-Country Transfer FlightCosta Rica takes in a second group of migrants deported from the US

The first group of deportees arrived in Costa Rica on April 11, 2026, consisting of 25 individuals from various nations, including Albania, Cameroon, China, Guatemala, Honduras, India, Kenya, and Morocco. Upon arrival, these migrants were assisted by Costa Rican migration police in coordination with the International Organization for Migration (IOM). They were provided temporary accommodation and the option to enroll in the Assisted Voluntary Return (AVR) program or apply for legal residency in Costa Rica.

Costa Rica takes in a second group of migrants deported from the USIndian National Among 30 Deportees in Second U.S.-to-Costa Rica Third-Country Transfer FlightThe Hindu

Costa Rica's involvement in this deportation network is part of a larger trend, with at least 27 countries, including South Sudan, Honduras, Rwanda, and several Caribbean nations, entering into similar agreements with the U.S. Critics argue that these arrangements leave migrants in precarious situations, often without legal recourse or support in countries where they lack connections or language skills. The financial implications of these agreements have also raised concerns, with reports indicating that the U.S. has provided substantial funding to incentivize countries to accept deportees.

Indian National Among 30 Deportees in Second U.S.-to-Costa Rica Third-Country Transfer Flight

The legality of the third-country deportation policy has been challenged in U.S. courts, with judges ruling that the government must assess potential claims under international law before deporting individuals. Despite these rulings, enforcement of the policy has continued, often leaving migrants unaware of their deportation until they are already on the flight. Reports indicate that many deportees face significant barriers in accessing legal assistance and understanding their rights.

Indian National Among 30 Deportees in Second U.S.-to-Costa Rica Third-Country Transfer Flight

Human rights advocates have expressed alarm over the implications of these deportations, highlighting issues such as enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, and the potential for unlawful refoulement. The situation has been described as creating a "legal black hole" for migrants, particularly those who previously sought asylum in the U.S. Critics emphasize the need for transparency and accountability in the treatment of deportees.

Indian National Among 30 Deportees in Second U.S.-to-Costa Rica Third-Country Transfer Flight

• “And for individuals like the Indian national who landed in San José on Friday, a person with no ties to Costa Rica, no guarantee of return to India, and no clarity on what comes next, the situation remains one of profound legal and human uncertainty.” — Legal Expert

Indian National Among 30 Deportees in Second U.S.-to-Costa Rica Third-Country Transfer Flight

As the deportation flights continue, the future remains uncertain for the migrants involved. Many face challenges in navigating their legal status and options for return or residency in Costa Rica. The ongoing legal battles surrounding the policy may influence future deportation practices and the treatment of migrants in similar situations.

Indian National Among 30 Deportees in Second U.S.-to-Costa Rica Third-Country Transfer Flight