Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem traveled to Costa Rica this week to emphasize the importance of international cooperation in preventing the entry of violent illegal aliens into the United States. Her visit comes amid rising concerns about transnational crime, regional migration trends, and the challenges both nations face in securing their borders.
During her trip, Secretary Noem engaged with U.S. and Costa Rican officials to reinforce bilateral security partnerships and evaluate frontline efforts aimed at intercepting migrants with criminal backgrounds. The visit reflects the ongoing U.S. strategy to work with partner countries in Central America to manage irregular migration and combat the threats posed by international smuggling networks.
Meetings with CBP’s Joint Security Program Team in Costa Rica
Secretary Noem met on Tuesday with members of U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s (CBP) Joint Security Program (JSP) Team, based in Costa Rica, as part of a regional strategy to bolster border security. The JSP Team, comprised of CBP officers and Costa Rican law enforcement counterparts, plays a key role in interdicting illicit activity, including human smuggling, narcotics trafficking, and document fraud at key transit points.
Secretary Noem received a detailed briefing on the team’s ongoing work and strategic initiatives. They consist of utilizing advanced surveillance technology, real-time information-sharing mechanisms, and bi-national task forces. Officials highlighted how these mechanisms have led to successful interdiction of high-risk individuals who have attempted to utilize Costa Rica as a transit country en route to the U.S. southern border.
According to her, interest lies not only in defending the U.S. borders but also in working with partners to disrupt criminal networks before they reach the United States.
Tour of Los Lagos Detention Center and Focus on Migrant Security
On Wednesday, Secretary Noem toured the Los Lagos Detention Center, a key facility where Costa Rican authorities detain individuals flagged as known or suspected terrorists or serious offenders. The tour provided a firsthand look at the country’s efforts to contain security threats related to migration and to apprehend individuals flagged through shared security databases.
Noem was briefed on operations at the center, including how biometric screening and information-sharing technology are used to vet detainees. The Costa Rican authorities explained how they track individuals flagged by international authorities and collaborate with U.S. law enforcement.
The facility, although modernized, also highlights the ongoing need for more capacity and resources as migration surges continue to strain regional systems.
Strengthening Regional Security Through International Partnership
Secretary Noem’s visit highlights the broader Trump administration’s approach to managing migration, which involves addressing root causes, building capacity in transit countries, and strengthening regional enforcement mechanisms. Though Noem is known for hard-nosed border enforcement, the visit also indicated a commitment to diplomacy and joint solutions.
The DHS has increasingly relied on shared task forces and international accords to combat unauthorized migration. Programs like the JSP are part of a pattern of more U.S. officers embedded abroad to train, equip, and support partner nations as they battle criminal networks exploiting migrant channels.
The visit concluded with a DHS and Costa Rican government joint release restating the shared goal of the two sides in securing borders, protecting migrants from exploitation, and dismantling the chains that endanger both national security and human life.
Looking Ahead
The United States is expected to build on the momentum of Secretary Noem’s visit by expanding regional training programs and increasing support for Central American partners, such as Costa Rica. Further discussions are underway regarding joint intelligence centers and new funding for infrastructure upgrades at key detention and processing facilities.
As the migratory trend continues to shift, DHS authorities project that ongoing cooperation with Western Hemisphere partners will be instrumental. Some of the future initiatives may include enhanced humanitarian screening procedures, regional migration centers, and other measures to ensure that migrants receive treatment by international law while preventing criminal threats from arriving on U.S. shores.
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Resources:
- https://www.dhs.gov/news/2025/06/25/photo-release-secretary-noem-visits-costa-rica
- https://apnews.com/article/honduras-noem-trump-immigration-security-3491e171dab58d7085a74663cfc8ad4f
- https://amcostarica.com/U.S.%20Homeland%20Security%20Secretary%20Visits%20Costa%20Rica%20to%20Address%20Migrant%20Crisis%20062425.html
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