Costa Rican migration officials recently revealed a change in policy for deportees from the U.S., allowing them to legally stay in the country, return home, or integrate into local communities. This decision follows extensive criticism regarding the wrongful detainment of these individuals, who were part of the Trump administration’s mass deportation strategy. Omer Badilla, the head of migration authority, stated that personal documents were withheld only to protect those who fear returning to unsafe conditions in their home countries.

In February, around 200 migrants from nations including China, Iran, Russia, and Afghanistan were taken to Costa Rica after being deported under U.S. immigration policies. They were held in a detention facility previously designed as a pencil factory. Human rights advocates and legal groups have stressed the importance of protecting these individuals and have applauded Costa Rica’s recent move to safeguard their rights.