Moroccans among first migrants deported from U.S. to Costa Rica under new deal

Moroccan nationals were among the first group of migrants deported from the United States to Costa Rica under a new bilateral agreement, marking the start of a controversial policy to send migrants to third countries.

Costa Rican authorities said Saturday that 25 migrants arrived as part of the deal signed in March with the United States. The group also included nationals from Albania, Cameroon, China, Guatemala, Honduras, India and Kenya.

According to Costa Rica’s migration authorities, the migrants are being received by the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners and provided with immediate assistance. Support from the International Organization for Migrationincludes food, shelter and essential services during their first week in the country.

The agreement allows Costa Rica to accept up to 25 deported migrants per week. In return, Washington is providing financial assistance to help cover costs, while international organizations assist with logistics and care.

The transfers are part of a broader immigration policy under Donald Trump, whose administration has expanded efforts to deport migrants not only to their countries of origin but also to third countries willing to receive them. U.S. officials say such arrangements are necessary when countries refuse to repatriate their nationals.

However, the policy has drawn criticism from rights advocates and lawmakers, who argue it leaves migrants in unfamiliar environments, often without language skills or support networks. For Moroccans in the group, Costa Rica represents a destination where they may have no prior connections.

Concerns have also been raised about the cost and effectiveness of such agreements. A February report by members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee questioned whether the high financial costs — in some cases exceeding $1 million per migrant — are justified by the outcomes.