Costa Rica’s President Says US Government Already Operates on Costa Rican Soil

President Laura Fernández stated that U.S. government agencies already conduct operations on Costa Rican territory under existing security arrangements. She noted the continuation of collaboration protocols with the DEA and FBI alongside joint maritime patrols.

President Laura Fernández stated that U.S. government agencies already carry out operations on Costa Rican territory, describing the activities as a continuation of existing security arrangements rather than a newly proposed initiative. She made the remarks when asked about supporting U.S. forces operating within the country.

Fernández explained that a strict collaboration protocol involving the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration and the Federal Bureau of Investigation began during the previous administration. She also highlighted joint patrols conducted in Costa Rican waters as part of a shared strategy against narcoterrorism.

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While she did not disclose the scale of these operations, their specific locations, or the number of personnel involved, the Presidency has not released further details regarding their scope. Fernández emphasized that Costa Rica relies entirely on civilian police for security because the nation abolished its military forces in 1948.

The current administration maintains security cooperation with the United States largely through a maritime counternarcotics agreement. Entering national territory with U.S. ships, aircraft, and personnel requires permits approved by the Legislative Assembly.

The comments followed a series of security-focused developments, including the opening of a new prison in Alajuela and the designation of multiple foreign cartels as terrorist organizations. Authorities also transferred three Mexican nationals linked to the Sinaloa Cartel to the airport for extradition to the DEA following an April 2025 arrest involving suspected cocaine.

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