An United States citizen armed with a knife attempted to hijack a small plane in Belize this Thursday but was shot dead by a passenger, local authorities reported. The Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft of Belizean airline Tropic Air had taken off in the morning with 16 people on board from Corozal bound for the island of San Pedro, when the hijacker threatened the pilot and ordered him to fly out of the country.
The plane circled for nearly two hours over the Philip S. W. Goldson International Airport in Belize City, finally landing when it was about to run out of fuel. At that point, the hijacker stabbed two other passengers, but one of them fired at him with a licensed weapon, according to media reports.
“Shortly after lifting off the runway, the aircraft was hijacked by a passenger on board, a U.S. citizen. He appears to be a war veteran,” said Police Commissioner Chester Williams to Channel 5. “According to our information, this hijacker demanded to be taken out of the country,” the officer added at the Philip S. W. Goldson Airport.
The hijacker was identified as 49‑year‑old Akinyela Sawa Taylor. The pilot and two passengers were injured in the incident, including the man who shot Taylor, who, according to authorities, held a valid firearms license. The government of Belize said it has launched an investigation into the case and strengthened security measures at all its airports. “This is an extraordinary and rare circumstance,” it noted in a statement.
The U.S. Embassy in Belize expressed regret over the incident, which occurred on the eve of the long Easter holiday. “We want Belize and the region to remain safe, not only for Belizeans but also for the many Americans who travel or reside here,” Embassy Public Affairs Officer Luke Martin told reporters.
Martin added that the diplomatic mission had no contact with Taylor during the incident nor was aware of his presence in Belize. “We maintain a strong relationship with Belizean law enforcement, and at moments like this, that collaboration is crucial,” the official said. Philip S. W. Goldson Airport remained temporarily closed during the incident, but operations were later restored.
As someone who is rooted in San José, I’ve watched Semana Santa bring Costa Rica to life each year, and this Easter Weekend is no exception. It’s a time when faith, family, and our Pura Vida spirit collide in a beautiful, vibrant way. For expats settling in, tourists exploring, or travelers curious about what’s happening here, I’m sharing my perspective on this special holiday. This article should help guide you through the processions, bustling beaches, and chiverre-filled plates that define this weekend.
Faith in the Streets
Living in Costa Rica, you feel how deeply Semana Santa matters. With about three-quarters of us Ticos being Catholic, the week leading to Easter Sunday turns our towns into sacred spaces. On Holy Thursday and Good Friday shops close, banks lock their doors, and processions take over. I’ve joined the Procesión del Silencio in San José, where marchers carry purple-draped crosses in near silence—a moment that always gives me chills. In Cartago’s historic basilica or San Joaquín de Flores in Heredia, you’ll see similar devotion, each town adding its own touch.
If you’re an expat or visitor, these processions are a window into our soul. They’re not just religious—they’re us. Be respectful: keep quiet and ask before taking photos. Check with local churches or your hotel for schedules, as times differ by town. Easter Sunday is calmer, with church services celebrating the Resurrection, often followed by family time at home.
The Beachward Bound
For me, Semana Santa is also when Costa Rica lets its hair down. Schools shut, and it feels like everyone heads to the coast. I’ve seen the roads to Tamarindo, Jacó, and Manuel Antonio turn into parades of cars as Ticos and tourists chase the sun. Beaches become lively hubs: families grilling, kids playing, and music everywhere. For a quieter escape, I love Playa Conchal in Guanacaste—its shell-strewn shore is magical—or Cahuita on the Caribbean side, where reggae sets the tone.
Travel this weekend is hectic. Traffic clogs up on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, and public buses take a break. Car rentals cost a fortune, and hotels in beach towns are packed. If you haven’t booked, you might still find last-minute spots in less touristy areas like Alajuela or Puerto Viejo—try calling local guesthouses directly. Some Ticos avoid swimming on Good Friday, believing it’s bad luck, but I always check for riptides no matter the day.
Top Easter Destinations
What to Expect
Local Tip
Tamarindo, Guanacaste
Crowded, festive
Arrive early for parking
Manuel Antonio, Puntarenas
Nature meets beach
Stick to marked trails
Cahuita, Limón
Chill Caribbean charm
Visit local sodas
Playa Conchal, Guanacaste
Quiet, stunning
Bring water and snacks
Food That Feels Like Home
As a Tico, I live for Semana Santa food. Lent puts seafood front and center—ceviche with a lime kick or sopa de mariscos that warms you up. My heart belongs to chiverre, the squash we turn into miel de chiverre jam, empanadas, or cookies. You’ll spot these at markets or bakeries right now. Then there’s arroz con leche, spiced and creamy, or tamal mudo, a meatless tamale that’s pure comfort.
Expats craving Easter candy can hit Auto Mercado, but our local treats are the real deal. I spend hours at San José’s Old Customs Building fair, where over 180 vendors sell coffee, chocolates, and chiverregoodies. Whether you’re a tourist eating ceviche at a beach soda or an expat adding Tico flavors to a potluck, our food brings us together.
Easter Eats to Try
What It’s Like
Where to Get It
Miel de Chiverre
Sweet, squashy jam
Markets, bakeries
Ceviche
Zesty fish dish
Coastal sodas
Arroz con Leche
Spiced rice pudding
Local eateries
Tamal Mudo
Simple tamale
Festival stalls
More Than Just a Holiday
Semana Santa is my favorite time to explore Costa Rica. National parks like Manuel Antonio or Tortuguero are open, their trails buzzing with monkeys, sloths, and toucans. Last-minute guided tours might still have spots—check with local operators. For thrills, I’ve zipped through Monteverde’s canopy and rafted Turrialba’s rivers; the scenery alone is worth it. In towns like Atenas, festivals bring oxcart parades and marimba music, while San José celebrates Día de San José on April 19 with masses and parades for our patron saint.
Expats, you’ll find your people through Reddit’s r/costarica or Facebook groups—think beach barbecues in Escazú or outings in Santa Ana. Tourists, go for ethical tours that respect our wildlife and skip places offering animal selfies.
Navigating the Weekend Like a Local
It’s Thursday, so booking hotels or tours for Semana Santa is likely a long shot—most beach towns are packed, and guides are booked solid. But don’t worry; you can still make this weekend work. If you’re already here, lean on local know-how. Drop by smaller guesthouses in places like Alajuela or Puerto Viejo; they sometimes have last-minute openings. For activities, join free community events like processions or festivals, or hike a nearby trail—many don’t require reservations. Keep your wallet safe in crowds, as pickpocketing picks up now, and carry your passport with its entry stamp.
We use colones, but dollars are fine—just bring small bills for markets. An Airalo eSIM keeps you online with 4G for maps. If trouble hits, call 911 for police or 128 for medical help. Expats, a bit of Spanish goes far. Things slow down this weekend, so embrace the Pura Vida pace. Tipping’s not expected, but 10% for great service is a nice touch.
Why I Love This Time of Year
Semana Santa shows Costa Rica at its best. As an expat, you’ll feel our warmth; as a tourist, you’ll taste and see what makes us special. Whether I’m in a candlelit procession, eating ceviche by the waves, or hiking a jungle path, this weekend reminds me why I’m proud to call this home. So come join us—Easter is your shot to live Pura Vida.
Maria Vargas, a third-generation tour operator in Nosara, stares at an empty booking calendar. “This is the worst high season I’ve seen in 20 years,” she says, her voice heavy with worry. Her story reflects a broader crisis gripping Costa Rica, where a sharp decline in tourist arrivals threatens the tourism industry—a sector that generates 85% of its revenue from international visitors and serves as the nation’s economic lifeline.
The Costa Rican tourism sector is reeling as visitor numbers plummet. In February 2025, only 270,810 tourists arrived by air, a 7% drop from the 291,090 recorded in February 2024, according to the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). This marks six consecutive months of decline, with Turismo por Costa Rica projecting a 15-20% reduction in arrivals by year-end. “The high season ended with negative numbers,” said Shirley Calvo, Executive Director of the National Chamber of Tourism (CANATUR). “As we enter the low season, typically May to November, the consequences will hit harder.”
Recent months, including December 2024 and January 2025, also saw fewer visitors than the previous year, dashing hopes for a robust peak season. “We had some upticks early in 2024, but they couldn’t offset the downward trend,” Calvo added. The downturn threatens jobs and businesses, particularly in rural and coastal areas like Guanacaste, Limón, and Monteverde. CANATUR reported 544 layoffs in 2024, with 918 more expected if trends persist. “The effects could jeopardize the sustainability of many businesses,” Calvo warned.
For expats running restaurants, vacation rentals, or tour companies in places like Tamarindo, the crisis hits close to home, with dwindling customers threatening local economies. Tourists face higher costs, potentially deterring repeat visits to Costa Rica’s famed rainforests, beaches, and biodiversity. “Businesses were already struggling before the low season,” said Christian Doñas, a representative of Proimagen Costa Rica, which promotes the country’s tourism image. “Sales are down compared to early 2024.”
Why It’s Happening and What’s Next
Multiple factors are driving tourists away, industry leaders say. The colón’s appreciation—now at ₡500 per US dollar, down from ₡700 in mid-2022—has spiked costs, making Costa Rica pricier than competitors like Colombia or the Dominican Republic. “We’re losing our competitive edge,” said Bary Roberts, spokesperson for Turismo por Costa Rica. A new Value Added Tax (VAT) on tourism services further inflates prices. Rising insecurity also hurts, with international media spotlighting drug-related violence and over 6,300 tourists reporting crimes like assaults and thefts since 2020, per La Nación. “Safety concerns are scaring people away,” Roberts noted. “This hurts rural and coastal areas the most.”
Global economic uncertainty, political tensions, and reduced flight connectivity exacerbate the problem, with North American arrivals down 7.2% and European visitors dropping 11.4% in February 2025. CANATUR has urged the Central Bank to reverse the colón’s appreciation, warning of widespread closures. “The exchange rate is suffocating us,” Calvo said, noting businesses lose up to 25% of revenue when converting dollars to colones for taxes and salaries.
However, President Rodrigo Chaves defends the strong colón as a sign of economic success, while Tourism Minister William Rodríguez attributes the decline to fewer airline seats—a claim industry leaders dismiss as a reaction to lower demand. The ICT’s “Only the Essentials” campaign, launched in 2025 to promote Costa Rica in the U.S. and Canada, aims to boost arrivals, but its impact remains uncertain.
As the low season looms, industry leaders urge travelers to support local businesses and advocate for policies to restore competitiveness. Expats and visitors can help by choosing sustainable tourism options, from eco-lodges to local-guided tours, to keep communities thriving. “Costa Rica’s natural beauty and warm hospitality are worth fighting for,” Roberts said. “We need tourists to return and expats to rally behind our local economies.”
Costa Rica is cracking down on illegal entries into its national parks and protected areas, citing dangers to visitors and environmental harm. Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy (MINAE), has called on lawmakers to approve a bill imposing fines of up to ¢2.3 million (approximately $4,400) on individuals and tour operators who access these areas without authorization.
Over 500 unauthorized entries into Costa Rica’s 30 national parks and reserves, have been reported so far this year. High-risk areas like Poás, Turrialba, Rincón de la Vieja, and Arenal volcanoes are frequent targets, where illegal tours bypass safety protocols. Unscrupulous operators promote these “exclusive” experiences on social media, often lacking insurance, safety equipment, or trained guides. “These operators abandon clients if intercepted by authorities, leaving them vulnerable in hazardous areas,” Tattenbach said.
Poás Volcano National Park, closed since March 26 due to seismic activity and ash emissions, remains a hotspot for illegal tours. The proposed bill, under discussion by MINAE and the National System of Conservation Areas (SINAC), would introduce fines ranging from ¢1.3 million to ¢2.3 million ($2,500 to $4,400) for unauthorized entry, targeting both operators and participants. If a rescue operation is required, involving the Costa Rican Red Cross or MINAE personnel, an additional fine of ¢2.3 million ($4,400) could be imposed.
Current laws penalize illegal entry under Article 58 of Forestry Law 7575, with three months to three years in prison, but enforcement is inconsistent. The new bill aims to strengthen deterrence. “These hikes involve steep slopes, toxic gases, and the risk of volcanic eruptions, which can be fatal,” Tattenbach warned, citing the 2017 Poás eruption that closed the park for over a year.
Illegal entries also threaten Costa Rica’s biodiversity, which includes 5% of the world’s species. Unauthorized trails disrupt ecosystems and increase risks of poaching, according to Jorge Mario Rodríguez, Vice Minister of Environment. The Volcanological and Seismological Observatory of Costa Rica (OVSICORI) monitors volcanic activity to inform park closures, but illegal tours undermine these safety measures.
Increased Surveillance
SINAC, the Costa Rican Fire Department, Red Cross, and Police Force will intensify surveillance going forward, targeting high-risk national parks and roadways to prevent unauthorized access, wildlife extraction, hunting, and trade in protected flora and fauna. “These operations safeguard our natural heritage and ensure visitor safety,” Tattenbach said. SINAC’s year-round efforts have intercepted numerous illegal tours in 2025.
Visiting Parks Safely: MINAE and SINAC urge visitors to use authorized operators and purchase tickets via the SINAC website or park entrances. Guided tours, available through platforms like Viator or Get Your Guide, offer safe experiences in parks like Manuel Antonio or Corcovado. Tourists should check park statuses before planning visits, as closures due to volcanic activity or weather are common. “Respecting regulations protects both you and Costa Rica’s natural treasures,” Rodríguez said.
Preserving Ecotourism: As the proposed bill awaits Legislative Assembly review, MINAE urges compliance to maintain Costa Rica’s status as a global conservation leader. For updates on the bill or park regulations, visit MINAE’s Website
A citizens’ coalition on Wednesday asked Panama’s Supreme Court to declare “unconstitutional” a controversial agreement signed last week that allows the United States to deploy troops in the Canal Zone. During a visit to Panama, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the pact with Panamanian Security Minister Frank Ábrego. The agreement authorizes Washington to station forces in areas granting access to—and adjacent to—the interoceanic canal for “training,” “exercises,” and other maneuvers.
The pact was inked amid pressure from President Donald Trump, who has threatened to retake control of the waterway by force, arguing it is under Chinese influence—a claim Panama denies. “The United States seeks, by means of that memorandum, to reestablish military bases on Panamanian territory,” lawyer Juan Ramón Sevillano said after filing the unconstitutionality challenge on behalf of the Sal de las Redes civic coalition.
Sevillano argued that the agreement “violates six articles” of Panama’s Constitution as well as the 1977 treaty under which Washington transferred control of the canal to Panama in 1999. President José Raúl Mulino’s government has denied that the pact cedes sovereignty or permits the establishment of U.S. bases, but those assurances have not silenced critics.
Although the three-year agreement—renewable once—does not explicitly mention “military bases,” it has revived fears of the U.S. installations that existed in the former Canal Zone enclave until 1999. “It is an unacceptable cession of sovereignty and an affront to the generational struggles for the liberation of our territory, by allowing the presence and military operations of a foreign country on Panamanian soil,” Sal de las Redes posted on its Instagram account.
“Today we face not only a government that kneels before Trump, but also direct pressure from the United States,” the coalition added. Sal de las Redes was among the organizers of the massive 2023 protests against a Canadian-owned mine, which the Supreme Court subsequently halted.
The canal—opened in 1914 and handling 5% of global maritime trade—was built by the United States. The 1977 treaty guarantees the “neutrality” of the waterway and stipulates that only Panama may maintain military forces in its territory. However, U.S. legislation passed after the treaty’s ratification could, by some interpretations, permit Washington to defend the canal against any threat.
Dengue cases in Costa Rica have plummeted in early 2025, with the Ministry of Health reporting 1,802 cases as of March 23, a 69.5% decrease from the 5,909 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. This marks a significant improvement from last year, which saw a record 27,791 cases by October.
Despite this encouraging trend, specialists warn against complacency, as dengue can cause severe complications and be fatal, particularly for children, the elderly, and other vulnerable groups. The disease is most prevalent in regions like Central Sur, Central Norte, and Pacífico Central, with local reports indicating high case numbers in cantons such as San José, Alajuela, Sarapiquí, Puntarenas, and San Carlos, which were heavily affected in 2024.
The Costa Rican Social Security Fund (CCSS) reports no hospitalizations due to dengue so far in 2025, based on preliminary data. However, the agency is preparing for a potential surge with the onset of the rainy season in May, which creates ideal breeding conditions for the Aedes aegypti mosquito, the primary vector for dengue.
Prevention Efforts Continue
The Ministry of Health’s Vector Control Program is intensifying efforts to curb the disease, having eliminated 341,771 mosquito breeding sites and fumigated 136,058 homes in 2025. These efforts build on last year’s campaigns, which saw over 16,000 homes fumigated in communities like La Carpio, Pavas, and Alajuela. Inspections and control measures are ongoing in high-risk areas.
The Ministry is collaborating with community leaders to enhance surveillance in public spaces such as schools, parks, churches, and streets. Initiatives like tire collections, gutter cleaning, and educational campaigns are raising awareness about eliminating mosquito habitats.
“We urge the population to remain vigilant: regularly clean and empty water containers, check and clean gutters, cover black plastic in backyards, and store unused tires under a roof or take them to collection sites,” the Ministry of Health stated in a recent press release.
Authorities emphasize the importance of cooperating with public health officials during fumigation visits, ensuring they present proper identification.
Know the Symptoms, Act Quickly
Dengue symptoms include sudden high fever, severe headache, pain behind the eyes, muscle and joint aches, rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, or bleeding. Health experts urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to seek medical attention promptly to prevent complications, especially as all four dengue serotypes circulate in Costa Rica, increasing the risk of severe cases upon reinfection.
“Community participation is key to sustaining this decline,” said Dr. Mary Munive, Minister of Health. “By working together, we can protect our families and keep dengue at bay.” For more information on dengue prevention, visit the Ministry of Health’s website or contact your local health center.
Authorities in Costa Rica and Panama are investigating a Costa Rican bank for alleged money laundering and tax evasion involving over $100 million in undocumented transactions, according to a report by Panama’s La Estrella de Panamá newspaper. The probe centers on a network of companies, reportedly controlled by a Costa Rican businessman, that owns the bank and its subsidiary in Panama’s Banking Center. The investigation began in Costa Rica as a tax evasion case involving more than $10 million, uncovering an international web of companies registered in both nations.
La Estrella reported that anti-money laundering authorities identified large transfers between accounts linked to the bank’s Panamanian operations, conducted without clear justification, between March 2023 and December 2024. These transactions, described as multimillion-dollar operations, have raised suspicions of international tax fraud and money laundering. “The reports from competent anti-money laundering authorities have already identified large money transfers between various accounts and related companies. They indicated that these were transfers without clear justification,” the newspaper stated.
Costa Rican authorities suspect the transaction patterns support allegations of tax fraud, while Panamanian officials have submitted reports to their Public Prosecutor’s Office highlighting concerns about the legitimacy of the funds’ origins. The lack of documentation has intensified scrutiny on the bank’s operations.
The investigation reflects Costa Rica’s strengthened efforts to combat financial crimes, as evidenced by its removal from the European Union’s blacklist of non-cooperative tax jurisdictions in January 2025. Meanwhile, Panama continues to face challenges, remaining on the EU’s tax haven blacklist despite exiting the Financial Action Task Force’s gray list in 2023.
Speculation on social media platforms has pointed to Banco BCT as the institution under investigation, though no official sources have confirmed this. Authorities have not disclosed the bank’s name, the businessman’s identity, or whether arrests have been made, as the investigation remains ongoing. The case underscores the complexities of cross-border financial oversight and the commitment of both our country and Panama to address illicit financial flows. Further updates are expected as the probe progresses.
For the Oceans Foundation successfully completed the first stage of its ghost net rescue campaign in Costa de Pájaros, Puntarenas, removing approximately 15 tons of abandoned fishing nets from the seabed, enough to nearly fill a 20-ton truck, according to social media reports and foundation statements. The initiative aims to eliminate these silent killers that harm marine life and promote sustainable fishing practices in Costa Rica’s coastal communities, a critical step toward preserving ourcountry’s rich biodiversity.
Ghost nets are abandoned, lost, or discarded fishing gear that continue to trap marine life, such as fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and sharks, while damaging coral reefs and seagrass beds. Globally, an estimated 640,000 tons of ghost gear pollute the oceans, contributing to 10% of oceanic litter, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. In Costa Rica, these nets threaten iconic species like the hawksbill turtle and disrupt artisanal fishing livelihoods, exacerbating ocean pollution and habitat loss.
The cleanup effort united 20 artisanal fishing families, professional rescue divers, and more than 60 volunteers, showcasing community-driven conservation. The operation was led by Captain Gabriel Ramírez of UDIVE 506, with eight fishing boats navigating the Gulf of Nicoya’s challenging currents. Reportedly, organizations including the Parlamento Cívico Ambiental, ACEPESA, Coast Guard, Red Cross, IPSA, REX Cargo, and Cervecería y Bebidas San Roque provided logistical support, transportation, hydration, and assistance with sorting and processing the recovered nets. Marine Biology students from the National University (UNA) played a key role by preparing the nets for recycling, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
“Each of us can contribute to the environment. This is not for me or for you—it’s for Costa Rica, for the planet, and for marine life,” said Jorge Serendero, Director of Fundación For the Oceans. This cleanup builds on Costa Rica’s leadership in marine conservation, with over 30% of its territorial waters protected as of 2021, a global benchmark.
The foundation reported a tense moment when a diver became entangled in a drifting net due to strong currents. Thanks to the quick action of his colleagues, he was freed unharmed, underscoring the risks of such operations. This campaign highlights the power of collective action in protecting marine ecosystems, a priority for Costa Rica as it expands marine protected areas like Cocos Island.
Fundación For the Oceans plans additional cleanups in 2025 to address ghost nets across Costa Rica’s Pacific coast. Interested individuals can contact For the Oceans Foundation at info@fortheoceansfoundation.org or +506 8875-9393 to volunteer, donate, or learn about upcoming initiatives to safeguard the oceans.
In the Tilarán Mountains, Monteverde, Costa Rica is known for its biodiversity and ecotourism. However, rising rents and land prices are driving gentrification, forcing many local residents to commute from nearby areas for work as living costs exceed their budgets. Ecotourism drives Monteverde’s economy, attracting over 200,000 visitors each year to its cloud forests and reserves. The high demand for land has prompted some locals to sell to foreign investors, who build hotels and tour businesses. This has intensified gentrification, with homes often converted into Airbnbs, reducing affordable housing options.
“We’re not immune to gentrification,” Monteverde Mayor Yeudy Ramírez said. “We’re focusing on empowering our community by supporting local entrepreneurs and encouraging residents to start businesses instead of selling their land.” The municipality backs local entrepreneurs through training and resources. The National Learning Institute (INA) provides English language courses to prepare residents for tourism jobs, while the Emprende Rural program offers funding and advice to rural producers and business owners. These initiatives aim to create diverse income sources and reduce land sales.
“We want the local farmer or small business owner to say, ‘I’ll develop my property with community support rather than sell it cheaply to a foreigner,’” Ramírez said. The Monteverde Community Fund supports these efforts with project management and grant-writing courses for local organizations. Programs like the Monteverde Summit connect nonprofits to promote sustainable development, and the “Hecho en Monteverde” certification highlights locally made, eco-friendly products.
Ramírez said Monteverde opposes large foreign companies building major projects. “We prefer foreign partners who work with locals, not control our economy,” he said. This approach aligns with the community’s goal of preserving its identity, as noted in recent reports on Monteverde’s resistance to gentrification. The Monteverde Commission for Climate Change Resilience (CORCLIMA), led by Katy VanDusen, promotes sustainable practices and certifies businesses meeting environmental standards. This helps ensure tourism benefits the community while protecting the environment.
Monteverde is addressing environmental and infrastructure needs. The Monteverde Environmental Technology Park (PTAM), run by the Santa Elena ASADA and municipal council, processes over six tons of organic waste weekly from businesses, creating eco-friendly fertilizer. In 2020, the region composted 333 tons of its 450-ton organic waste output, cutting landfill use. The municipality is also upgrading unpaved access roads, which have limited tourist traffic but challenge locals. Improved roads aim to enhance connectivity while supporting controlled tourism growth.
Despite gentrification pressures, Monteverde’s community remains committed to its roots. From the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve to cooperatives like CASEM, which supports female artisans, locals are channeling tourism revenue into conservation and development. These efforts reflect a focus on sustainable growth that prioritizes residents. Ramírez and Monteverde’s residents continue to work toward a future where the area remains a home for its people, not just a destination for tourists.
The deportation of migrants detained in the United States to El Salvador and their imprisonment in a mega-prison for gang members is creating “a black hole” without legal protections, warn human rights advocates concerned about the anti-immigration alliance between the two countries. On Monday at the White House, the presidents of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, and of the United States, Donald Trump, cemented an alliance that allows Washington to continue sending migrants to El Salvador—accusing them of being criminals, without providing evidence.
At least 265 migrants, the vast majority of whom are Venezuelans, have been deported from the United States to El Salvador since March and incarcerated at the Terrorism Confinement Center (Cecot). Considered the largest prison in Latin America, the Cecot has a harsh regime of detention. It houses around 15,000 Salvadorans accused of belonging to violent gangs, and now also Venezuelan migrants. They are cut off from communication and cannot receive visits.
“What is being attempted here is the creation of a Guantánamo on steroids (…) a black hole where there is no legal protection for the people there, and that is extremely serious,” warned Juan Pappier, the deputy director for the Americas at the human rights NGO Human Rights Watch (HRW).
Trump said on Tuesday that he would “love” even to send American citizens who commit violent crimes to the Cecot. “Those who grew up and something went wrong and hit people on the head with a baseball bat and push people in the subway,” he said, according to excerpts from an interview he gave to Fox News in Spanish, a program scheduled to air on Tuesday.
HRW interviewed 40 family members of the more than 200 migrants deported to El Salvador and concluded that they are targets of “forced disappearance and arbitrary detention.” As the principal ally in Latin America, Bukele was received with honors at the White House for collaborating on Trump’s hardline policy against migrants.
“We are very eager to help,” Bukele stated, to which Trump replied: “You are helping us. We appreciate it.”
Administrative error
The most notorious case reported by activists is that of Salvadoran migrant Kilmar Ábrego García, who is married to an American. He was arrested in the United States on March 12 and expelled three days later to El Salvador along with another 230 people. The Trump administration accuses Ábrego of belonging to the MS-13 gang, declared a “terrorist organization” by Washington. However, it has provided no evidence.
Ábrego had been living in the United States under a protected legal status since 2019, when a judge ruled that he should not be deported because he was in danger in El Salvador. Washington acknowledged before a court that his expulsion was an “administrative error.”
An American judge ordered that he be returned to the United States, but both governments refuse to comply. Judge Paula Xinis scheduled a new hearing on the case on Tuesday, after unsuccessfully asking the government to inform on “the current whereabouts and status” of Ábrego, as well as what it is doing to “facilitate his return.”
Potentially indefinite
According to HRW, the detention of the deportees at the Cecot—the majority accused of being members of the Venezuelan criminal group Tren de Aragua “appears to be completely arbitrary and potentially indefinite.” per interviewed family members of detainees in Venezuela who insist that they committed no crime that would justify incarceration.
Venezuelan Alexis de Hernández, the mother of 31-year-old Andry Hernández Romero, said that her son “is unjustly imprisoned” and that he was detained “just for having some tattoos.” The U.S. government claims that the tattoos demonstrate his belonging to the Tren de Aragua gang, but experts note that the gang does not use tattoos to identify its members.
“In El Salvador, the government calls the detention of innocent people a ‘margin of error’, but these are not errors at all,” said Noah Bullock, director of the NGO Cristosal, on his X account. On the streets of San Salvador, some criticize the deportations, while others defend Bukele’s hardline approach, which is very popular in his country due to his war against gangs.
Washington is sending migrants to El Salvador “just for being marked (tattooed),” lamented 32-year-old truck driver Ricardo Rosales. When the United States is “distancing” itself from many countries, “El Salvador is drawing closer” and that will be of “great benefit,” assured 73-year-old retired engineer Manuel Urrutia.
Bukele announced, as an achievement of his visit to the White House, the signing of an agreement for El Salvador to join the Global Entry program, which will allow Salvadorans with visas to “enter the United States quickly.”
