Philenews

El Salvador's President Pushes for Tough-on-Crime Model in Costa Rica

Published January 15, 2026, 05:08
El Salvador's President Pushes for Tough-on-Crime Model in Costa Rica

The President of El Salvador, Nayib Bukele, visited Costa Rica and laid the foundation stone for a new CECOT-style prison, which will have a capacity of 5,000 inmates and cost $35 million. Bukele urged Costa Rican authorities to follow his tough line on combating organized crime, despite reactions from human rights organizations. He argued that immediate action is necessary to address the increase in crime and gang violence, especially in relation to drug trafficking. The opposition in Costa Rica accused Bukele of using the foundation ceremony for electoral purposes, supporting candidate Laura Fernández, who seeks judicial reforms similar to those implemented in El Salvador. Bukele is considered a hero by some in Latin America for his success in restoring security in El Salvador through the state of emergency and mass arrests.