Costa Rican President Supports Potential U.S. Ground Operations
Laura Fernández, the conservative President of Costa Rica, expressed that possible U.S. ground operations aimed at combating international criminal organizations would significantly enhance the nation’s national security. In a discussion with Reuters, she clarified that there are currently no arrangements being made between Washington and San José regarding this matter. However, she mentioned that Costa Rica had brought up this topic with the U.S. earlier this year during her election campaign.
“It would clearly be beneficial for national security if it involves pursuing a common goal against issues like transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism,” Fernández stated from the Costa Rican presidential palace.
Al Jazeera released a segment featuring Fernández’s comments during the interview.
Costa Rica is recognized in Latin America for its historical cooperation with the United States in tackling organized crime. Notably, it is one of the few countries globally without its own military, having abolished it in 1949.
Fernández, who took office in May after a decisive electoral victory, has promised to address the country’s ongoing issues with violence and drug trafficking. She hopes to replicate the success seen in El Salvador under President Nayib Bukele, who has notably reduced the homicide rate to a record low in recent years.
Earlier this year, Fernández and her predecessor, Rodrigo Chaves Robles, took steps to join the U.S.-led Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), also known as the “Shield of the Americas.” This coalition has seen nations like Colombia create agreements with the U.S. to potentially conduct joint operations against narco-terrorist groups.
Ecuador, also a member of A3C, has recently collaborated with the U.S. to dismantle facilities used by dangerous narcotic organizations.
Reportedly, during her interview, Fernández dismissed the idea of requesting a state of emergency from Congress to combat the surge in violent crime in the country. Although this was suggested during her campaign, she attributed her shift in focus to new data indicating a drop in crime rates, with reports showing a 14 percent decrease in homicides in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period last year.
Nevertheless, a report from Reuters highlighted a tense situation between Fernández and the judicial system. She raised concerns about organized crime infiltrating the judiciary and hampering attempts at implementing stricter security measures. This conflict coincides with her administration supporting significant budget cuts that affect the judiciary.
Fernández voiced her dissatisfaction with the judicial process, pointing out delays and instances where judges seemed to release convicted criminals ahead of schedule. She noted ongoing issues of administrative inefficiency and potential corruption within the judiciary.
In a recent address, she defended the budget cuts, citing that the current financial situation feels restrictive for the government, as 93 percent of the budget is already committed. Fernández reaffirmed that her administration does not plan to increase taxes or take on additional debt.
