The United States and Costa Rica have deepened their collaboration on border security, with new measures emphasizing biometric screening, joint operations, and eventual integration into the U.S. Global Entry program. The developments were announced during a visit to San José by U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who met with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves and toured border control facilities.
During her visit, Secretary Noem toured the Los Lagos Detention Center, a facility opened in 2024 that holds up to 600 migrants awaiting removal or asylum processing. The center operates in coordination with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) through the Joint Security Program Team, a U.S.-Costa Rican unit formed in 2018 that screens air passenger data and supports watch-list integrations. Noem also received briefings on security infrastructure and ongoing collaboration between CBP and Costa Rican authorities.
Biometric Cooperation and Regional Networks
U.S. officials stated they are exploring the possibility of a biometric data-sharing framework with Costa Rica, building on existing letters of intent signed earlier this year with Colombia and Honduras. These regional agreements aim to create a more integrated biometric screening network to better identify and track individuals involved in transnational crime and irregular migration.
According to a U.S. State Department announcement, a recent joint operation involving U.S. and Costa Rican authorities led to the arrest of 19 human traffickers. The group had been moving migrants from China, Vietnam, and Venezuela toward the United States.
The expanded biometric screening efforts also build on longstanding U.S. Department of Homeland Security programs focused on refugee processing and cross-border identity verification. The latest plans include deploying fingerprint and facial recognition technologies in joint operations and migration checkpoints.
Global Entry Partnership Underway
Costa Rica and the United States also reaffirmed their shared goal of joining the Global Entry program, a Trusted Traveler initiative that provides expedited U.S. entry for pre-approved, low-risk passengers. A letter of support for Costa Rica’s eventual participation was signed during Secretary Noem’s visit. Technical vetting and system integration are still required before Costa Rican citizens can officially enroll. During the announcement, Noem stated that President Chaves would be the first Costa Rican citizen approved for the program.
“This government does not hide; it does not turn a blind eye. We have made every effort to strengthen our relationship with the United States in the fight against international crime,” said President Chaves during a joint press appearance.
The enhanced measures also aim to address gaps in biometric screening protocols previously identified in DHS audits, while reinforcing both countries’ ability to combat organized trafficking networks and cross-border threats.
Sources: The Tico Times, U.S. Department of Homeland Security
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By Ali Nassar-Smith
