Published on Thursday, June 26, 2025
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

United States Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem met with Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves-Robles and other senior government officials on Wednesday to strengthen bilateral cooperation on border security, illegal migration, and transnational crime.

As part of her official visit, Secretary Noem met with Public Security Minister Mario Zamora-Cordero to sign a landmark Global Entry agreement between the U.S. and Costa Rica. The deal signing ceremony was also attended by Mike Flores, the Chargé d’Affaires at the U.S. Mission to Costa Rica.

The agreement will allow eligible Costa Rican citizens to apply for the U.S. Global Entry program, which streamlines immigration procedures and expedites entry into the U.S. for pre-approved, low-risk travelers. With this partnership, Costa Rica joins a select group of nations whose citizens can access the trusted traveler program, enhancing both the speed and security of U.S. entry processes.

According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), applicants will undergo thorough and recurring background checks conducted by both U.S. and Costa Rican authorities. As part of the process, applicants must complete an in-person interview with a CBP officer before enrollment.

“To maintain low-risk traveler status, Global Entry members must not violate any of the program’s terms and conditions,” CBP states on its website. “Program violations will result in appropriate enforcement action and termination of the traveler’s membership privileges.”

The partnership is expected to strengthen not only border security but also trade, tourism, and cultural exchange between the two nations.

In addition, Secretary Noem and President Chaves held talks aimed at deepening cooperation on broader security issues, including combating drug trafficking, illegal migration, and transnational crime. According to a press release from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), both leaders expressed their commitment to joint initiatives that promote regional stability and prosperity.

“They explored opportunities to align policies and share resources to address shared challenges, such as strengthening border security while supporting lawful trade and travel,” the DHS statement said.

While in Costa Rica, Noem also met with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s Joint Security Program Team, which operates locally in coordination with Costa Rican officials. The team focuses on reinforcing border security and combating illicit activities, including smuggling and trafficking.

During the meeting, she received a detailed briefing on the team’s operations, including the use of advanced technology, intelligence-sharing protocols, and binational initiatives.

Later on Wednesday, the U.S. Secretary toured the Centro de Aprehensión Temporal para Extranjeros en Condición Irregular (CATECI), a migrant detention facility located in Heredia province. DHS noted that the visit "offered insights into Costa Rica’s efforts to manage irregular migration." Noem observed the center’s infrastructure, security protocols, and detainee management practices.

In February, Costa Rica agreed to host 200 migrants deported from the United States.

Costa Rica was the second stop on Secretary Noem’s Central American tour. Earlier in the week, she visited Panama. Following her departure from Costa Rica on Wednesday, she traveled to Honduras and is expected to conclude her trip with a visit to Guatemala on Thursday.

In March, a delegation of U.S. Congress members and senior government officials visited Costa Rica for a diplomatic mission aimed at strengthening cooperation in trade, investment, security and technology.

In related news, on Friday, June 27, the U.S. Embassy will hold a town hall meeting with senior Embassy officials in Jaco Beach, Puntarenas province.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump has nominated Melinda Hildebrand, a Houston-based businesswoman and philanthropist, as the next U.S. ambassador to Costa Rica. However, no information has been released regarding hearings on her nomination before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

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