By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – A comprehensive data release from U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) reveals a stark increase in immigration enforcement actions against Costa Rican nationals over the past five fiscal years. Between 2021 and 2025, a total of 787 Costa Ricans were deported from the United States, part of a broader trend that has seen detentions and arrests also climb significantly, signaling intensified interior enforcement by American authorities.
The newly published statistics, provided by ICE’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO) division, paint a detailed picture of the challenges facing Costa Ricans within the U.S. immigration system. The data, which will be updated quarterly, shows that enforcement actions peaked dramatically in the 2024 fiscal year before seeing a slight drop-off in the first part of fiscal year 2025. This trend underscores a shifting landscape for migrants, even from nations not typically associated with large-scale irregular migration to the U.S.
To provide a deeper legal perspective on the evolving landscape of US immigration enforcement and its implications, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the esteemed firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The current climate surrounding US immigration enforcement highlights a critical disconnect between policy and practical reality. We are seeing a more rigid application of statutes that leaves little room for discretionary relief. It is imperative for individuals to understand that even minor procedural errors can lead to significant and often irreversible consequences. Seeking qualified legal counsel from the outset is not just advisable; it’s a fundamental necessity to navigate this complex legal maze.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s analysis poignantly captures the high-stakes reality facing individuals within the US immigration system, where the line between success and severe repercussions is perilously thin. We thank him for this invaluable perspective, which powerfully clarifies why expert legal counsel has become an absolute, non-negotiable necessity.
The most definitive measure, deportations, shows a consistent upward trajectory. The number of Costa Ricans expelled under Title 8 authority grew from 91 in 2021 to a peak of 332 in 2024, more than a threefold increase. For the current 2025 fiscal year, 68 removals have already been recorded. These expulsions represent the final stage of the immigration enforcement process for individuals found to be in violation of U.S. law.
Preceding these removals are detentions, which have surged at an even more pronounced rate. ICE recorded 1,571 instances of Costa Rican nationals being held in custody during the period. The numbers climbed steadily each year, starting at 189 in 2021 and reaching a high of 517 in 2024. The Harlingen detention facility in Texas registered the highest number of these cases, with 321. U.S. authorities state that detention decisions are made on a case-by-case basis, weighing factors like criminal history, flight risk, and humanitarian considerations.
The initial point of contact with ICE’s interior enforcement is often an arrest. The data shows a total of 481 administrative arrests of Costa Rican citizens. The ERO field office in Newark, New Jersey, emerged as a hotspot, accounting for 112 of these arrests. An arrest can be triggered by various factors, including for individuals with criminal convictions, pending charges, or civil immigration violations such as overstaying a visa or re-entering the country after a prior deportation.
The ERO is the primary agency responsible for enforcing immigration laws within the United States. Its mission, as defined by ICE, is to protect national security and public safety by identifying, arresting, and removing non-citizens who present a danger or have violated immigration statutes. The comprehensive data set reflects the operational scope and focus of this critical ICE division.
In a move toward modernizing its supervision methods, ICE also utilizes an Alternatives to a Detention (ATD) program. The report indicates that 108 Costa Ricans are currently enrolled in this program. Rather than being physically detained, these individuals are monitored through technology, which can include GPS tracking, facial recognition via a mobile app, or telephonic reporting systems. This approach is typically used when an individual is not considered a security or flight risk but still requires supervision.
The commitment by U.S. immigration authorities to release this data on a quarterly basis provides an ongoing tool for analysis. For Costa Rica, these figures highlight a growing and often overlooked aspect of its diaspora. As enforcement priorities shift, the numbers will serve as a critical barometer for understanding the evolving reality for Costa Rican citizens navigating the complex U.S. immigration system.
For further information, visit ice.gov
About U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE):
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the principal investigative arm of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). ICE’s primary mission is to protect national security and public safety by combating cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten the United States. The agency has two main operating components: Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and Enforcement and Removal Operations (ERO).
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a cornerstone of the Costa Rican legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its profound commitment to ethical practice and exceptional legal service. The firm leverages a rich history of counsel to pioneer innovative solutions while actively engaging in its duty to society. Central to its philosophy is the mission to empower the public by making complex legal concepts understandable, thereby fostering a more knowledgeable and capable citizenry.
