President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles on Wednesday signed a constitutional amendment allowing Costa Rican nationals, by birth or naturalization, to be extradited to countries with which Costa Rica has extradition treaties, including the United States.

The reform to Article 32 of the Costa Rican Political Constitution enables courts to authorize extradition in cases involving serious crimes, such as international drug trafficking and terrorism. The measure had been unanimously approved by the Legislative Assembly earlier this month.

A formal signing ceremony was held at the Presidential House in San José, with Minister of Public Security Mario Zamora-Cordero and Minister of Justice and Peace Gerald Campos-Valverde in attendance.

“The days of impunity are over for criminals who used Costa Rican nationality as a shield to avoid prosecution in other countries,” President Chaves said during the event.

Also present was U.S. Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Michael Flores, who welcomed the decision as a milestone in international justice and cooperation.

“This decision reflects Costa Rica’s strong commitment to justice, security, and international cooperation,” Flores said. “From the perspective of the United States, this reform strengthens our joint fight against organized crime and enhances the safety of our peoples.”

Flores emphasized that the amendment represents a sign of mutual trust and shared responsibility between the two countries. “Extradition is a key tool in combating organized crime,” he added.

The revised constitutional provision states: “No Costa Rican may be forced to leave the national territory, except in cases of international drug trafficking or terrorism, where extradition has been granted by the Courts of Justice, strictly respecting the fundamental rights and procedural guarantees recognized in this Constitution, international treaties, and laws.”

Recently, the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs offered a reward of up to $500,000 for information leading to the arrest or conviction of Alejandro Arias-Monge, known as “Diablo,” a Costa Rican national and the country’s most wanted fugitive.

Additionally, to further combat crime, President Chaves recently announced plans to build a new $35 million large-scale correctional facility.

The most recent extradition case involved two Mexican nationals wanted in the U.S. on drug trafficking and money laundering charges. They were deported following a joint operation by Costa Rican authorities, the DEA, and Interpol.

Mike Flores currently serves as the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission to Costa Rica.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has nominated Melinda Hildebrand, a Houston-based businesswoman and philanthropist, to serve as the next U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica. However, no Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing date has been announced for her nomination.