Costa Rica began to tighten immigration controls Sunday on flights arriving from Mexico. Officials want to stop anyone linked to drug trafficking from entering the country after Mexican forces killed Nemesio “El Mencho” Oseguera Cervantes. El Mencho, age 59, led the Jalisco New Generation Cartel. He stood as one of the most wanted men by Mexico and the United States.
Costa Rica held a name for decades as one of the safest countries in the region. Crime rates have risen in recent years from groups tied to drug trafficking. President-elect Laura Fernández promised a firm response to the security issues. Public Security Minister Mario Zamora spoke with reporters. “We seek to prevent the entry into national territory of any person linked to drug trafficking activities and who, amid the special circumstances unfolding in Mexico, may try to use our country as a refuge,” he said.
The checks involve cooperation from the Drug Enforcement Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection. They apply to flights direct from Mexico and to anyone from that country who arrives on connecting flights. Zamora said the steps started at 1 p.m. Sunday. Authorities will feed more intelligence into border systems to review passengers from Mexico and strengthen checks at airports and other entry points.
The move follows the Mexican army operation that killed El Mencho in Jalisco state. Violence broke out in parts of Mexico after the killing, with reports of blockades and disruptions. Costa Rican officials will monitor how the situation affects drug routes in Central America. The Jalisco cartel has links to drug shipments that passed through Costa Rican ports on the way to Europe.
The alert remains in place for now as authorities watch developments.
