Authorities said the flight, carrying 30 deported individuals, landed at Juan Santamaría International Airport in Alajuela province.

The group includes eight Costa Ricans and 22 foreign nationals: eight from Brazil (five men and three women), three from Romania (two adult men and one teenage boy), three from Uzbekistan, two from China, two from Azerbaijan, and one each from Ireland, India, Vietnam and Belarus.

The migrants arrived under a memorandum of understanding signed in March by President Rodrigo Chaves Robles and U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who traveled to Costa Rica to finalize the agreement.

As part of the arrangement, Costa Rica waived visa requirements for the migrants. They also received assistance from the Professional Migration Police and representatives of the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The IOM is providing support that includes lodging, food and humanitarian aid during the first seven days following arrival.

Authorities said the migrants were transported to a hotel but did not disclose its name or location for security reasons.

Under the agreement, migrants may choose to pay for their own housing and live freely anywhere in the country, provided they remain engaged in their assigned immigration process.

They are allowed to remain in Costa Rica legally under a special humanitarian visa category. Those who wish may also apply for refugee status, which would grant additional benefits, including access to medical care.

If migrants decide to leave the country, they must notify authorities. They may cover their own travel expenses or request assistance from the IOM to return to their country of origin through the Assisted Voluntary Return program.

This marks the second group of migrants deported from the United States to Costa Rica this month. Last week, a first group of 25 migrants arrived in the country.

Authorities said more information about upcoming flights is expected in the coming days.

The deportation arrangement stems from agreements reached during the Summit of the Americas held in March in the United States. The broader regional pact outlines actions aimed at strengthening cooperation among Latin American countries to combat organized crime.

As part of those broader efforts, Costa Rica extradited two of its citizens to the United States in March on drug trafficking charges, marking the first time the country has sent nationals abroad to face criminal prosecution.

In February 2025, Costa Rica agreed to receive about 200 undocumented migrants deported from the United States. Most remained in the country for up to six weeks before being repatriated.

The DGME, Costa Rica’s immigration authority, oversees visas, residency, work permits and other processes related to foreign nationals living in the country.

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What measures can Costa Rica implement to better support its migrant population? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com