Central American Nations Face Legal Accountability over Deported Migrant Children

A legal challenge filed against Costa Rica alleges violations of the rights of migrant children deported from the U.S. The case aims to hold Central American nations accountable amidst the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies.

A coalition of attorneys has initiated a lawsuit against Costa Rica, asserting that the nation has disregarded the rights of 81 minors recently deported from the United States. The lawsuit claims these children were confined for nearly two months in conditions detrimental to their well-being, asserting that the lack of appropriate care could result in lasting harm.

This legal action is the second significant challenge directed at a Central American country for its involvement in U.S. deportation policies, a strategy encouraged by the Trump administration that seeks assistance from neighboring nations to manage mass deportations. The case was submitted to the U.N. committee responsible for upholding the Convention on the Rights of the Child.

Ian Kysel, a legal scholar at Cornell Law School and a co-founder of the Global Strategic Litigation Council, is part of the legal team advocating for the minors. Kysel explained that Costa Rica's commitment to additional U.N. treaty measures allows for complaints to be escalated to a panel of experts that can recommend actions. However, adherence to these recommendations is ultimately contingent upon Costa Rica's compliance and the pressure from other signatory states.

In late February, a group of approximately 200 individuals, including children from countries such as China, Iran, Vietnam, and Uzbekistan, were deported to Costa Rica via two flights from the U.S. Following their arrival, the minors were transported to a secluded detention facility located near the Panama border, where they remain pending further processing for repatriation or asylum applications from other countries.