On a U.S. deportation flight of mostly Asians to Costa Rica, half will be minors
NBCFEB 17
Costa Rica Agrees to Host 200 US Deportees
Above: US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (L) shakes hands with Costa Rican Pres. Rodrigo Chaves at a joint press conference at the presidential palace in San José on Feb. 4, 2025. Image copyright: Mark Schiefelbein/Contributor/Pool/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The arrangement demonstrates Costa Rica's commitment to human rights protection and regional cooperation, while helping manage complex migration challenges. The country is stepping up as a responsible partner in addressing global migration issues, providing temporary shelter and ensuring proper humanitarian treatment of deportees.
Establishment-critical narrative
Costa Rica's acceptance of deportees appears driven by economic pressure and fear of potential US tariffs on export zones, rather than genuine humanitarian concerns. The arrangement effectively makes Costa Rica a detention center for US deportees, with even Pres. Chaves explicitly stating they're helping Washington to avoid negative consequences.