Costa Rican President Laura Fernandez has indicated that any United States military operations within the country would require approval from Costa Rica’s Congress. In an interview with Reuters, Fernandez suggested that such operations could enhance national security, particularly in addressing transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism. However, she clarified that there are currently no plans for US forces to operate in Costa Rica.
Fernandez, who took office in May, succeeded her mentor, former President Rodrigo Chaves, after a February election that highlighted concerns about security and rising violence. Despite her tough-on-crime campaign, Fernandez stated that she is not considering a state of emergency to tackle crime, which typically suspends certain constitutional rights to empower police and military forces. This approach has been notably adopted by El Salvador's President Nayib Bukele, who has maintained a state of emergency since 2022.
Crime has become a significant concern for voters in Costa Rica, with the homicide rate doubling over the past decade to 17.2 per 100,000 inhabitants in 2023. While this rate is still lower than in many neighboring countries, the increase, attributed in part to drug trafficking, has alarmed residents.
Fernandez's comments also reflect increasing pressure from the US to combat crime in the Western Hemisphere. US President Donald Trump has sought to expand military influence in Latin America, launching initiatives such as the “Shield of the Americas” to unite regional leaders against drug trafficking.
While some countries, like Mexico, have resisted US military operations on their soil, others, such as Ecuador, have collaborated with US forces to address crime. However, this cooperation has raised concerns about human rights abuses, as highlighted by a July report from Human Rights Watch, which documented serious violations linked to military operations supported by the US.
The report noted incidents involving Ecuadorian soldiers accused of torture and other abuses during operations conducted with US assistance. These developments come after Ecuadorian voters rejected a referendum that would have permitted foreign military bases in the country.