Costa Rica
In early 2026, Costa Rica remains one of the most stable and progressive democracies in the world. However, the country is currently navigating a significant shift in its security and political landscape. Following the February 1, 2026, election of right-wing president Laura Fernández, the nation is debating a move toward more "iron-fist" policies to combat a surge in organized crime and drug-related violence.
1. Security and the "Mega-Prison" Debate
The most prominent issue in 2026 is the government's response to an unprecedented homicide rate, which has jumped 50% over the last six years due to cartel activity.
The "Bukele Model": President-elect Fernández has pledged to complete the construction of a mega-prison (the High Security and Organized Crime Center, or CACCO) by June 2026. Modeled after El Salvador’s CECOT, the facility is designed to hold over 5,000 high-risk inmates.
Human Rights Concerns: Rights groups and international observers have warned that adopting El Salvador-style "states of emergency" could lead to arbitrary arrests and the erosion of due process, a departure from Costa Rica's traditional emphasis on civil liberties.
2. Prison Conditions and Overcrowding
Even before the new facility opens, the penitentiary system is under extreme duress.
Systemic Overcrowding: As of late 2025, prisons were operating at more than 30% over capacity. This has resulted in poor sanitation, inadequate medical access, and increased violence among the inmate population.
Judicial Delays: Despite a generally independent judiciary, budget cuts and staff shortages have led to a backlog of cases. Pretrial detention remains a concern, with some individuals held for 180 days or more before their day in court.
3. Migrant and Refugee Protections
Costa Rica hosts the highest number of asylum seekers and refugees per capita in the region, primarily from Nicaragua and Venezuela.
The "Bridge" Controversy: In 2025, the government faced criticism for an agreement to serve as a "bridge" for third-country nationals deported from the U.S. In June 2025, the Supreme Court ruled that this practice violated the rights of several migrants, ordering their release.
Access to Work: New decrees in 2025 and 2026 have made it more difficult for asylum seekers to obtain work permits, pushing many into the informal economy where they are vulnerable to labor exploitation and "inverse migration" (returning to South America).
4. Indigenous Land Rights and Violence
Indigenous communities, particularly the Bribri and Cabécar, continue to face land dispossession.
Illegal Occupations: While indigenous territories cover 7% of the country, over 50% of that land (and up to 88% in some areas) is illegally occupied by non-indigenous landowners.
Impunity for Murder: The 2025 acquittal of a suspect in the murder of indigenous leader Jehry Rivera sparked national outrage. UN monitors in early 2026 have expressed deep concern over the "structural racism" within the local judiciary that allows violence against land defenders to go unpunished.
5. Press Freedom and Political Rhetoric
While media freedom remains robust, the climate for journalists has become more hostile.
Verbal Attacks: Outgoing President Rodrigo Chaves frequently labeled critical media outlets as "corrupt" or "press hitmen." Although these attacks slowed in late 2025, the culture of "online intimidation" directed at journalists remains a concern under the incoming administration.
Digital Privacy: A 2024 law expanded state powers to intercept communications for a broader range of crimes. Privacy advocates in 2026 are monitoring whether these powers will be used to target whistleblowers or political opponents.