Cuban National Arrested in Costa Rica on Charges of Transporting Nicaraguan Migrants

A Cuban citizen has been taken into custody by Costa Rican authorities, accused of involvement in migrant smuggling activities in the region. The arrest took place in the Peñas Blancas area, close to the Nicaraguan border, a known hotspot for unauthorized migration routes.

According to reports from Representaciones Televisivas (Repretel), the arrest was made possible after an investigation exposed the suspect's illegal operations. The Cuban, whose identity has not been disclosed, was allegedly working in unauthorized zones near the border where he would receive Nicaraguan migrants and transport them further into Costa Rica for a fee.

At the time of his arrest, the suspect was found transporting six foreign migrants in a vehicle. Elías Soto, the Deputy Director of the Professional Migration Police, emphasized that this arrest is part of an ongoing effort to strengthen border control, especially during periods of high migrant movement. "The Professional Migration Police continues to reinforce borders for better migration control. During these times, the outflow of foreigners is more pronounced, and we are therefore intensifying our border patrol efforts. To date, we have detected two cases of illicit migrant trafficking: one in Liberia, Guanacaste, and another in Los Chiles," Soto stated.

The detained individual has been brought before the Public Ministry in the courts of Liberia, where his legal situation will be assessed. This incident adds to a series of recent actions taken against migrant smuggling in Costa Rica. In September 2024, seven men were convicted of illegal human trafficking, involving Cuban migrants crossing the border from Panama. Investigations into this case began in 2019, culminating in prison sentences of up to nine years for those involved.

Costa Rica has become a significant destination for migrants from Nicaragua, primarily due to the political, social, and economic crises affecting their homeland. Historically, Nicaraguans have sought refuge in Costa Rica, attracted by its relative economic and political stability, as well as job opportunities in sectors like agriculture, construction, and domestic services.

In recent years, migration flows have increased notably, driven by political repression and a lack of freedoms in Nicaragua. Costa Rica, known for its humanitarian approach, has implemented measures to regularize migrants. However, it faces challenges related to the pressure on public services, social integration, and the rise in irregular migration movements.

The border region, especially in Peñas Blancas, plays a crucial role in this migration phenomenon, serving as both an entry point for migrants and a focal area for detecting illegal activities linked to human trafficking.