AGP Executive Report

Costa Rica Immigration Update: Costa Rica has launched an extraordinary regularization program for thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum applicants whose cases are pending or rejected, creating a special temporary category that lets people apply starting Sept. 1, 2026 and—crucially—work legally in the formal economy. World Cup Prep, On the Pitch: Colombia beat Costa Rica 3–1 in a World Cup warm-up in Bogota, with goals from Davinson Sánchez, Luis Díaz, and Luis Suárez, while Costa Rica’s Soto scored the consolation. Local Security Push: President Laura Fernández says Costa Rica’s Elite Force will coordinate a tougher crackdown on organized crime, including a bill aimed at severe penalties for owners of clandestine airstrips. Health/Travel Watch: The UK Foreign Office issued a World Cup travel update for Mexico, the USA, and Canada tied to Ebola-related entry restrictions for travelers coming from parts of Africa. Sports Spotlight: England began World Cup preparations in Florida with heat acclimation, while Kobbie Mainoo said the squad believes it can win the tournament “100 per cent.”

World Cup build-up (Colombia–Costa Rica): Colombia beat Costa Rica 3-1 in a Bogota friendly as Luis Díaz scored and set up another, with Davinson Sánchez and Luis Suárez also finding the net, while Andrey Soto replied for La Sele. England in Florida: England’s squad has landed in Miami for pre-tournament camp, with Thomas Tuchel stressing a clear “mission” to win and add a second star; Harry Kane says the “brotherhood” approach is key, and warm-ups include New Zealand (Tampa) and Costa Rica (Orlando). Costa Rica in the spotlight: Costa Rica’s dairy sector got a World Milk Day spotlight from Dos Pinos, highlighting women running farms and leading the cooperative’s production. Local travel and safety: Costa Rica’s travel scene continues to draw attention, from weather and tourism tips to public health warnings tied to outbreaks abroad. Business and investment: A report on investor trust and rule-of-law signals is circulating as global markets watch how governments manage stability and predictability.

World Cup Prep (England): Thomas Tuchel’s England squad touched down in Miami to start its pre-tournament camp, with warm-ups set vs. New Zealand (Tampa) and Costa Rica (Orlando) before the Group L opener vs. Croatia on June 17. World Cup Friendly (Costa Rica): Costa Rica plays Colombia in Bogotá today in a key tune-up as Néstor Lorenzo’s side returns to the World Cup after missing 2022. Player Watch (Rashford): Marcus Rashford has joined England camp after training at Inter Miami, with his Barcelona loan buyout deadline looming. Costa Rica Travel & Weather: Forecasters say the usual early-June pattern—bright mornings, then afternoon clouds and thunderstorms—especially over the Pacific and South Pacific. Costa Rica Coffee: Costa Rica named its 2026 Cup of Excellence winners, led by a Los Santos washed coffee scoring 91.36. Local Impact (Costa Rica-friendly): England’s camp schedule includes a friendly against Costa Rica, underscoring how the tournament is shaping travel and events across the region.

Wildfire & climate watch: Costa Rica is seeing a 250% jump in wildfires ahead of El Niño, with officials warning earlier drying can let fires spread fast. Coastal flooding risk: Scientists warn unusually warm Pacific waters are raising pressure on Costa Rica’s coasts, boosting erosion and flooding dangers as sea levels and swell combine. Travel rules that can trip you up: A Costa Rican court ordered the State to pay compensation after a passenger was removed from a flight due to an administrative travel-ban error—plus a reminder to check your “impedimento de salida” status online and carry paperwork. Travel ban how-to: Another guide explains how to verify an exit restriction through Costa Rica’s Judiciary portal or app. Economy & policy: Costa Rica’s growth is expected to slow as global risks rise, while the country also extends corporate email rules through end of 2026. Public health: Costa Rica’s public health system faces a growing surgery waitlist crisis. Safety on trails: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported hearing a hiss before a venomous pit viper struck nearby. Aviation link: Lufthansa adds more Allegris routes, including a new San José (Costa Rica) destination starting this winter.

Costa Rica Travel Rules: A Costa Rica man says he was removed from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight because of an active child-support travel ban, even after he had the court-approved lift—now the State may have to compensate him. Practical Help: Another guide explains how to check your “Impedimento de Salida” online via the Poder Judicial portal or app, and what to do if a ban is in place. Governance & Business: The Legislative Assembly approved extending a deadline for companies to register official corporate notification emails through Dec. 31, 2026, easing costs and paperwork. Security Strategy: President Laura Fernández expanded polygraph testing to judicial-branch staff attending her weekly “Fuerza Élite” meetings. Public Safety: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout heard a warning hiss and narrowly missed a venomous pit viper strike. Economy Watch: Costa Rica’s growth is expected to slow as global risks rise. Local Culture: TikTok creator Max Klymenko brought “The Career Ladder” to San José’s Teatro Nacional area, turning the plaza into a viral street conversation scene.

Border Security: Costa Rica’s northern border saw violent clashes during a new crackdown on illegal gold mining in Cutris de San Carlos, where police dismantled a camp and seized about 5,000 sacks of mining material before armed suspects attacked officers. Public Safety & Crime: An OIJ operation in Curridabat led to the arrest of a migration civil servant tied to alleged child sexual exploitation material, with devices seized for forensic review. Courts & Accountability: Former OAS chief Miguel Ángel Rodríguez said he feared he wouldn’t live to see the end of a long INS reinsurance case, after a San José court acquitted him in a ruling tied to whether funds were private versus public. Aviation & Tourism: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is pushing a $6 million modernization plan, including a new VIP lounge and upgrades through 2027. International Security: UN nuclear chief Rafael Grossi warned of a growing “pattern” of attacks on nuclear plants amid recent strikes, including near the Barakah facility in the UAE. Sports & Culture: FIFA highlighted Austin “Jay Jay” Okocha’s record 15 dribbles in a single World Cup match, while Costa Rica remains in the World Cup spotlight through multiple match-related mentions.

Crime & Justice: Costa Rica’s Heredia Criminal Court sentenced Alfaro Mena to 30 years in prison for distributing pornography to two underage girls, after prosecutors said he used his position as an informal taxi driver to gain access to the victims. Public Safety & Law Enforcement: Costa Rica’s OIJ arrested a migration civil servant in Curridabat linked to alleged child sexual exploitation material, seizing devices after a Meta alert. Aviation & Tourism Infrastructure: Guanacaste Airport (Liberia) is moving ahead with a $6 million modernization plan, including a new 354-square-meter VIP lounge and expanded terminals, scheduled for late 2026 into early 2027. Economy & Cost of Living: ARESEP approved fuel-rate adjustments tied to RECOPE shipment costs, with new prices set to raise regular gasoline by ¢8 colones. Weather Watch: Costa Rica braces for unstable conditions through June 3, with afternoon rain and thunderstorms most likely in the Central Valley and Pacific regions. Nature & Science: Researchers described a new marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, found buried in sand at Playa Naranjo.

Coastal Conservation: Costa Rica’s Playa Naranjo in Guanacaste is now home to a newly described marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, named for its jaguar-like patterning and found in overlooked sandy intertidal habitat—researchers say better beach knowledge can guide conservation and tourism decisions. Road Safety & Commuting: Route 27 is reopening only partially after a sinkhole collapse near Coyolar de Orotina, with limited one-lane traffic and police-managed alternating flow; a Bailey bridge is expected early next week and a full two-week repair plan is underway. Marine Research Expedition: The For the Oceans Foundation is launching “Operation Peace for the Pacific,” a Costa Rica South Pacific scientific mission to track sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, whales and other pelagic life between Isla del Caño and Puerto Jiménez. Sports & Local Spotlight: Costa Rica’s England-friendly match is in the news again after players were dropped following an alleged gun incident, while Newcastle’s World Cup-bound players have a packed warm-up schedule that includes an England vs Costa Rica friendly in Orlando.

Costa Rica Football: Three Costa Rica players—Hearts forward Kenneth Vargas, Nashville SC’s Warren Madrigal, and Alajuelense midfielder Alejandro Bran—were dropped ahead of friendlies vs Colombia (June 1) and England (June 10) after an alleged shooting incident in San José’s Los Yoses neighborhood, where Bran’s vehicle was hit with bullets. Public Health: The CCSS surgical waitlist keeps climbing, reaching 204,622 insured patients waiting for operations as of April 2026—about 8% higher than a year earlier—with an average wait of 441 days. Infrastructure & Safety: Route 27 remains closed after a sinkhole near Coyolar (Orotina) damaged the highway following heavy rains; officials expect a temporary regulated lane for light vehicles and a Bailey bridge early next week. Immigration & Courts: Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Maryland resident, asked a federal judge to block deportation to any country other than Costa Rica after a judge dismissed the U.S. human-smuggling case as “vindictive.” Local Culture & Travel: Jason Lewis says he moved to Costa Rica and is writing a nine-book fantasy series, while England’s warm-up friendlies in Tampa and Orlando are drawing criticism over huge empty-seat counts.

Costa Rica Football: Hearts forward Kenneth Vargas, MLS midfielder Warren Madrigal, and LD Alajuelense’s Alejandro Bran were dropped from Costa Rica’s camp ahead of friendlies vs Colombia (June 1) and England (June 10) after an alleged San José shooting incident involving Bran’s bullet-hit car and federation discipline rules. Politics & Power: President Laura Fernández says she’ll withdraw Costa Rica’s electricity harmonization bill rather than escalate with opposition lawmakers, after calling them “communists” and “vagrants” over the measure. Economy & Investment: OECD data shows Argentina received the lowest foreign direct investment in Latin America in 2025, while Costa Rica attracted US$5.733B—highlighting how incentives don’t always overcome business-climate hurdles. World Cup Build-Up: England’s warm-up vs New Zealand and friendly vs Costa Rica are set to draw huge empty seats, with only about 13,000 tickets sold for the New Zealand match and roughly 12,000 for Costa Rica. Immigration Pressure (U.S.-Costa Rica link): A judge dismissed charges against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, and the Trump administration is pushing again for removal—Costa Rica has agreed to accept him as a refugee.

Diplomacy: China’s FM Wang Yi told Costa Rica’s Manuel Tovar Rivera that bilateral ties serve both countries’ long-term interests, citing 19 years of growing cooperation since Costa Rica recognized China. Security & regional politics: Costa Rica’s public praise for El Salvador’s security guidance continues to draw attention as El Salvador’s Territorial Control Plan gains international spotlight. Sports (Costa Rica): Fernando “Bocha” Batista’s Costa Rica rebuild hit a fresh snag as three players were removed from camp after a reported Los Yoses vehicle incident tied to bullets; the OIJ opened an investigation. Immigration (U.S.-Costa Rica link): Kilmar Abrego Garcia’s case is back in focus in U.S. court as judges weigh deportation rules and whether Costa Rica can be designated for removal. Local life: ARESEP approved fare hikes for buses and taxis after fuel price increases. Community & culture: Canada’s women’s team named Huitema, Zadorsky and Carle for a Costa Rica training camp ahead of a June 9 friendly in Cartago.

Costa Rica–Panama Diplomacy: Panama says it’s ready to open dialogue with Costa Rica on trade, especially agri-food, aiming to avoid a bigger diplomatic fight. Costa Rica Football Turmoil: Costa Rica’s pre-World Cup friendly vs England is thrown into chaos after a shooting incident outside a bar in San José; Alejandro Bran, Kenneth Vargas, and Warren Madrigal were dropped from the squad. Local Sports Spotlight: Canada’s women’s team returns to Costa Rica for a training camp with key players Jordyn Huitema and Shelina Zadorsky back from injury. Business in San José: Transcat, headquartered in Costa Rica, reported double-digit revenue growth in Q4 and FY2026, with SCM Metrology and Laboratories expanding its Latin America footprint. Global Politics: UN Watch urges the Security Council to reject Michelle Bachelet’s bid to become UN Secretary-General, citing her human-rights record. World Cup Ticket Woes: England’s warm-up in the US faces possible 50,000 empty seats, while Costa Rica-related ticket sales for England’s later friendly are also highlighted.

World Cup Fallout: Costa Rica’s federation dropped Alejandro Bran, Kenneth Vargas, and Warren Madrigal from a pre-England friendly after a shooting incident outside a bar left bullet holes in Bran’s car—an abrupt shake-up days before the June 10 match in Florida. USMNT Roster Drama: Mauricio Pochettino named his 26-man World Cup squad, keeping the goalkeeper race “open” and leaving Diego Luna out, sparking fresh backlash among fans. Local Travel Boost: San José’s Juan Santamaría International Airport rolled out the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training staff to better support travelers with non-visible conditions. Regional Sports Spotlight: England and Portugal are set to train in Palm Beach Gardens, with Curacao also camping in Florida ahead of the tournament. Tech & Work Shifts: India’s GCC boom is starting to “hollow out” as AI automates more routine tasks, even as hiring continues.

USMNT World Cup Roster: Mauricio Pochettino has named a 26-man U.S. squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Gio Reyna and Alex Zendejas included while Diego Luna misses out; FC Cincinnati’s Miles Robinson also makes the cut, a “full circle” moment for the club’s first World Cup player. Costa Rica Politics & Security: President Laura Fernández ordered polygraph tests for police chiefs and ministers as the country battles a surge in gang violence, while lawmakers are also clashing over whether to reopen Crucitas’ metallic open-pit mining—opposition factions say the 2010 ban should stand. Local Energy Shock: Costa Rica’s electricity reform faces fresh trouble after PLN opposition effectively blocks a key harmonization bill, leaving the future of the power model in doubt. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 5 is expected to bring the heaviest rain and possible storms across Costa Rica later this week. Sports Elsewhere: Colombia named its World Cup squad with James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz, and Japan’s Kaoru Mitoma is sidelined by injury ahead of the tournament.

Earthquake Watch: A powerful 6.8-magnitude quake hit northern Chile’s Antofagasta region near Calama, with officials quickly saying there’s no tsunami risk. Costa Rica Health: Costa Rica is investigating a Salmonella outbreak tied to a Ciudad Colón de Mora food shop; 47 people are linked, a dozen tested positive, and one death is possibly connected. Local Life, Global Spotlight: A Costa Rica hospital is treating a surfer who was pierced through the heart by a needlefish off Playa Pavones; he’s in serious but stable condition after surgery in San José. World Cup Build-Up: Colombia named its 26-man World Cup squad with James Rodríguez and Luis Díaz leading, and will play friendlies vs Costa Rica and Jordan before Group K. Prison Policy Shift: Costa Rica says it will adopt parts of El Salvador’s “Zero Idleness” prison model to push work and training inside facilities.

Airline Shake-Up: JetBlue says it will cut 11 “underperforming” routes this summer and redeploy planes to grow Fort Lauderdale service—meaning no flights from Manchester-Boston, plus cuts from Hartford, Providence, and several Newark routes. World Cup Spotlight: Colombia named a World Cup squad led by James Rodriguez and Bayern’s Luis Diaz, with friendlies vs Costa Rica (June 1) and Jordan (June 7) before Group K play. Costa Rica Watch: SUGEF warns remittance firms could be exploited to launder “millions,” while COSEVI-style SMS scams keep spreading via urgent fake links. Sports & Local Pride: Keylor Navas’ Pumas fell 2-1 to Cruz Azul in the Liga MX final after a 0-0 first leg. Nature News: Scientists reported a new deep-sea blue octopus near the Galapagos—tiny, golf-ball sized, and discovered about 1,800 meters down.