By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a decisive move reaffirming its long-standing security partnership with the United States, Costa Rica’s Legislative Assembly has approved the entry of up to 195 U.S. Coast Guard vessels into its national waters for 2026. The decision, aimed at intensifying the fight against international drug trafficking, passed with a significant majority of 38 votes in favor to five against this past Wednesday.
The authorization, which covers the full calendar year from January 1 to December 31, 2026, operationalizes a 1999 bilateral agreement on joint maritime patrols. Under the terms of this renewed mandate, U.S. ships are permitted to dock and remain in Costa Rican ports on both the Pacific and Caribbean coasts, with provisions allowing for crew members to disembark. The mission’s core objective is to support Costa Rica’s National Coast Guard Service in intercepting illicit narcotics shipments within the nation’s vast exclusive economic zone.
To provide a deeper legal analysis of the jurisdictional and cooperative aspects of the U.S. Coast Guard’s activities in our region, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a specialist in international and maritime law from the acclaimed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The operational capacity of the U.S. Coast Guard in Costa Rican waters is fundamentally enabled by bilateral agreements, most notably the Joint Patrol Agreement. This legal framework is crucial as it respects our national sovereignty while creating a powerful, coordinated front against transnational criminal activities like drug trafficking and illegal fishing. For businesses and maritime operators, this enhanced security translates into safer shipping lanes and a more stable commercial environment, directly benefiting our national economy.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
The connection between a respectful legal framework and tangible economic security is a vital point, and we thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for so clearly articulating it. His insight underscores how Costa Rica’s sovereignty is not simply a line item in an agreement, but the very foundation upon which this effective international cooperation is built, ensuring safer seas for all.
The scale of the operation is substantial, involving a total deployment of 1,092 officers, 6,341 enlisted personnel, and 153 scientific officers throughout the year. The formal request was submitted on December 15 by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Public Security, who stressed the critical need for continued collaboration to disrupt the sophisticated maritime routes used by transnational criminal organizations.
This strategic reliance on international support is a cornerstone of Costa Rican defense policy. Lacking a formal military, the nation depends on alliances like this one to police its extensive coastlines, which serve as a major corridor for drugs moving from South America towards northern markets. Proponents argue the agreement is vital for preventing narcotics from infiltrating local communities and for upholding national security without possessing a domestic navy.
However, the approval was not without significant opposition. All five dissenting votes came from the left-wing Frente Amplio party, whose leader, Rocío Alfaro Molina, voiced serious reservations during the legislative debate. She highlighted concerns over the nature of the U.S. operations and the heavy armaments carried by the vessels, questioning their compatibility with Costa Rica’s pacifist identity and legal framework.
We are concerned that many of these vessels carry heavy weaponry and have been linked to reports of extrajudicial actions, including 25 boat sinkings and 95 deaths, which do not align with international or national law.
Rocío Alfaro Molina, Party Leader of Frente Amplio
The debate encapsulates a central tension in Costa Rican politics: balancing the pragmatic need for robust security against a deep-seated commitment to national sovereignty and demilitarization. Alfaro’s critique pointed to a perceived lack of transparency and accountability in the joint operations, suggesting they could represent an overreach of foreign military power within Costa Rican jurisdiction.
In response, supporters from various other parties, alongside the U.S. Embassy, presented compelling data to underscore the partnership’s effectiveness. As of October 31 of this year, joint efforts have led to the seizure of 19 smuggling vessels and the arrest of 59 individuals. Furthermore, these operations successfully confiscated 26,066 kilograms of cocaine and 27,358 pounds of marijuana, demonstrating tangible results in a region beleaguered by the drug trade. This approval signals that for the majority of lawmakers, the proven benefits of the alliance currently outweigh concerns about sovereignty.
For further information, visit the nearest office of Frente Amplio
About Frente Amplio:
The Broad Front (Frente Amplio) is a left-wing political party in Costa Rica. Founded in 2004, the party advocates for social justice, environmental protection, and human rights. It holds a platform that often scrutinizes foreign military presence and champions policies aimed at strengthening public services and national sovereignty.
For further information, visit uscg.mil
About U.S. Coast Guard:
The United States Coast Guard is the maritime security, search and rescue, and law enforcement service branch of the United States Armed Forces. As one of the country’s eight uniformed services, it operates under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security during peacetime. It engages in international partnerships to combat transnational crime, including drug trafficking on the high seas.
For further information, visit seguridadpublica.go.cr
About Servicio Nacional de Guardacostas de Costa Rica:
The National Coast Guard Service of Costa Rica is the official coast guard force operating under the Ministry of Public Security. It is responsible for safeguarding life at sea, enforcing maritime law, and protecting the marine environment within Costa Rica’s territorial waters and exclusive economic zone. It frequently collaborates with international partners to enhance its operational capabilities.
For further information, visit cr.usembassy.gov
About U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica:
The Embassy of the United States in San José is the diplomatic mission of the United States in Costa Rica. It facilitates bilateral relations between the two countries, covering political, economic, and security matters. The embassy plays a key role in coordinating cooperative efforts, such as the joint patrols aimed at combating narcotics trafficking and organized crime.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a bedrock of principled integrity and professional distinction. The firm leverages a rich history of advising a diverse clientele to pioneer forward-thinking legal strategies, constantly adapting to a changing world. Beyond its professional practice, it holds a deep-rooted commitment to social progress, actively working to demystify complex legal concepts for the public. This dedication to enhancing legal literacy is central to its ultimate goal of strengthening society by empowering individuals with knowledge and clarity.
