Costa Rica is taking a page out of El Salvador President Nayib Bukele’s playbook, opening a massive maximum-security prison designed to crack down on organized crime and drug trafficking.

The Central American country has officially transferred its first 123 inmates into a new mega-prison inspired by El Salvador’s controversial CECOT facility, marking a major shift in how Costa Rica plans to deal with its growing security challenges.

The first prisoners arrived on October 26, wearing orange uniforms with shaved heads. Images released by authorities showed inmates seated in rows with their heads lowered and hands behind their necks, closely resembling scenes from Bukele’s infamous mega-prison.

For a country historically recognized as one of Latin America’s safest and most peaceful nations, the images represent a dramatic change.

A $33 Million Prison Built for 5,100 Inmates

The new facility, officially called the Centro de Alta Contención y Crimen Organizado (CACCO), is located in Alajuela, near the capital of San José.

The prison was inaugurated by Costa Rican President Laura Fernández on October 14 and is designed to house some of the country’s most dangerous criminals.

The facility includes:

• Capacity for 5,100 inmates
• Five maximum-security housing modules
• Advanced surveillance and biometric security systems
• Strict monitoring of prisoner movements
• Infrastructure designed to prevent criminal organizations from operating behind bars

The project cost approximately US$33 million, according to Costa Rica’s Ministry of Justice.

Authorities say the prison will also help address overcrowding in the country’s existing correctional facilities.

Why Is Costa Rica Following Bukele’s Example?

For decades, Costa Rica enjoyed a reputation as one of Central America’s most stable countries.

Unlike many of its neighbours, Costa Rica abolished its military in 1948 and became internationally recognized for its peaceful democracy, tourism industry and environmental conservation.

However, organized crime has increasingly threatened that reputation.

Costa Rica’s geographic position between South America and North America has made it an attractive transit point for international drug trafficking organizations.

Mexican and Colombian criminal networks have expanded their operations in the country, contributing to violent competition over trafficking routes and local drug markets.

In 2023, Costa Rica recorded a historic 907 homicides, raising concerns about the country’s deteriorating security situation.

The growing violence has pushed Costa Rican authorities toward tougher measures.

Bukele’s Influence Is Spreading Across Latin America

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele has become one of Latin America’s most influential and controversial political figures.

His aggressive crackdown on gangs, launched in 2022, has dramatically reduced reported homicides in El Salvador.

His government has arrested more than 91,000 people under its state of emergency, while constructing CECOT, one of the world’s largest maximum-security prisons.

Bukele’s approach has attracted considerable public support, particularly among citizens frustrated by decades of gang violence.

But it has also generated serious criticism from human rights organizations over allegations of arbitrary detention, mistreatment and violations of due process.

Despite the controversy, other Latin American governments are increasingly looking to El Salvador’s security model for inspiration.

Costa Rica is among the latest countries to embrace elements of that strategy.

Former Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves strengthened ties with Bukele, whose government provided the design used for Costa Rica’s new prison.

A New Era for Costa Rica?

Costa Rican officials insist the mega-prison is necessary to confront increasingly powerful criminal organizations.

Justice Minister Gabriel Aguilar has described the facility as a symbol of national security and a demonstration that the government intends to regain control over organized crime.

However, critics question whether building larger prisons will address the underlying causes of violence.

Human rights advocates have also raised concerns about prison conditions and the treatment of inmates.

Costa Rica’s approach will now face a major test: whether stricter incarceration can reduce organized crime without undermining the democratic principles and legal protections that have historically distinguished the country.

Is Bukele’s Security Model Becoming Latin America’s New Normal?

Costa Rica’s decision reflects a broader political shift taking place across Latin America.

As governments struggle with organized crime, drug trafficking and public frustration over insecurity, Bukele’s hardline approach is becoming increasingly influential.

For supporters, El Salvador demonstrates that governments can dramatically reduce violence by confronting criminal organizations directly.

For critics, the concern is that countries may sacrifice civil liberties in pursuit of security.

Costa Rica has now taken a significant step toward adopting that model.

The question is whether the country can achieve El Salvador-style security improvements while preserving the democratic freedoms that have long defined Costa Rica.

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