U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves Robles reaffirmed the longstanding partnership between their nations in a high-level meeting on February 4, 2025. Speaking at a joint press conference at Casa Presidencial in San José, both leaders outlined new agreements on security, economic development, cybersecurity, and migration enforcement.
The meeting comes at a pivotal moment, as Costa Rica faces growing security challenges linked to organized crime and migration, while the United States seeks to fortify alliances with key regional partners under the Trump administration’s America First foreign policy.
Fighting Organized Crime and Strengthening Border Security
The escalation of violence linked to drug cartels and transnational gangs has placed Costa Rica at the center of regional security concerns. President Chaves opened the conference with a solemn tribute to Officer Geiner Zamora, who was recently killed in the line of duty while fighting organized crime.
“This tragedy underscores why we must take a firm stance against criminal organizations and ensure that those who threaten our society are put behind bars,” Chaves said.
Secretary Rubio expressed Washington’s full commitment to supporting Costa Rica’s fight against drug trafficking and organized crime, announcing expanded U.S. intelligence and law enforcement cooperation.
✅ The DEA and FBI will increase joint operations with Costa Rican security forces to combat drug cartels using the country as a transit hub.
✅ A new U.S.-Costa Rica border security initiative will provide advanced screening tools to detect criminals moving through the region.
✅ Enhanced biometric data-sharing programs will help identify foreign nationals with links to terrorism or organized crime.
“The United States stands with Costa Rica in confronting these threats. Our security partnership will only grow stronger in the months ahead,” Rubio said.
U.S. to Support Costa Rica’s Cybersecurity Defense
Cyberattacks have become a major national security challenge for Costa Rica, with over 110 million cyberattacks recorded annually—many of them linked to foreign adversaries.
Secretary Rubio praised Costa Rica’s commitment to securing its digital infrastructure and its decision to block untrustworthy telecommunications firms from its 5G networks.
“Cybersecurity is not just a Costa Rican issue—it’s a global issue,” Rubio stated. “Costa Rica has taken a bold stand against cyber threats, and the United States will support its efforts to build a more resilient digital infrastructure.”
The U.S. will provide:
? Technical expertise and intelligence-sharing to combat cyber intrusions.
? Assistance in prosecuting cybercriminals who threaten Costa Rican national security.
? Investment in digital infrastructure to enhance economic and government cybersecurity.
Tackling the Migration Crisis Together
As a key transit and destination country for migrants, Costa Rica has been under increasing pressure from mass migration flows. Rubio and Chaves agreed on a new framework for migration enforcement, which includes:
? Stronger U.S.-Costa Rica cooperation in screening and deterring illegal migrants attempting to reach the U.S.
? Expanding biometric tracking of individuals from high-risk regions, including Africa and the Middle East.
? Enhanced repatriation efforts for illegal migrants and foreign nationals with criminal backgrounds.
“We need a coordinated regional response to the migration crisis,” Rubio emphasized. “Costa Rica has been a strong partner, and we are committed to helping secure its borders while also addressing the root causes of illegal migration.”
Reevaluating Nicaragua’s Role in CAFTA and Confronting Regional Dictatorships
Secretary Rubio also addressed the situation in Nicaragua, which remains a source of regional instability under President Daniel Ortega’s authoritarian rule.
While no final decision has been made, Rubio confirmed that the Trump administration is reviewing Nicaragua’s participation in the Central America Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA-DR).
“Nicaragua was admitted into CAFTA under the assumption that it would uphold democratic values. It is clear that this is no longer the case,” Rubio said. “We will carefully assess all options to ensure that U.S. trade agreements reflect our principles.”
He also labeled the regimes of Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Cuba as ‘enemies of humanity,’ blaming them for fueling regional instability and mass migration.
A Renewed U.S.-Costa Rica Partnership
As the press conference concluded, both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to deepening U.S.-Costa Rican relations.
“Under President Trump, the U.S. will stand by its friends and hold its adversaries accountable,” Rubio stated. “Costa Rica is a model for what nations in the region can achieve, and we will ensure our partnership grows stronger than ever.”
President Chaves echoed the sentiment, thanking the U.S. for its continued support in security, economic development, and regional stability.
“This partnership is based on trust, shared values, and common goals,” Chaves said. “Together, we will build a safer, more prosperous future for our people.”
With this historic meeting, Costa Rica and the United States reaffirm their alliance, standing united against global security threats and economic challenges while paving the way for stronger regional cooperation.