Costa Rica's President Fernández Supports U.S. Ground Forces for Security
Laura Fernández, the conservative President of Costa Rica, has indicated that the introduction of U.S. ground forces to combat international criminal organizations would be advantageous for the country's national security. In an interview with Reuters, she clarified that while there are currently no plans for such operations, any future initiative would require legislative approval.
Fernández highlighted that discussions regarding U.S. military involvement had occurred earlier this year when she was President-elect. She stated, "It would obviously be very good for national security if it were about pursuing a common objective against transnational crime, transnational drug trafficking, transnational terrorism."
Costa Rica, which abolished its army in 1949, has a history of cooperation with the United States in tackling organized crime in the region. Fernández, who assumed office in May after a decisive electoral victory, is committed to addressing the country's persistent issues with violence and drug trafficking. She aims to replicate the security successes seen in El Salvador under President Nayib Bukele, who has implemented strict measures against crime.
Earlier this year, Costa Rica joined the U.S.-led Americas Counter Cartel Coalition (A3C), which has seen other countries, like Colombia, enter agreements with the U.S. for joint operations against narco-terrorist groups. Ecuador, another member of the coalition, has recently engaged in operations with the U.S. to dismantle criminal organizations.
During the interview, Fernández stated she is not currently considering a state of emergency declaration to combat crime, attributing her decision to new data indicating a decline in crime rates. Official statistics reveal a 14 percent reduction in homicides in the first half of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025.
However, Fernández has faced challenges with the judiciary, accusing it of being compromised by organized crime and hindering her administration's security policies. She has proposed significant budget cuts to the judiciary, arguing that the current budget constraints limit the government's ability to respond effectively to crime.
In a recent address, she defended these budget cuts, stating that the existing financial commitments leave little room for flexibility. Fernández has also made it clear that her administration does not intend to raise taxes or increase national debt as part of its strategy to enhance security and governance in Costa Rica.
