Costa Rica Opens 5,100-Inmate Mega-Prison Modeled on El Salvador's CECOT

On Wednesday, Costa Rica unveiled a new mega-prison capable of housing 5,100 inmates, inspired by El Salvador's Terrorism Confinement Centre (CECOT). President Laura Fernandez officiated the inauguration, asserting that the country aims to become a "global benchmark" in prison security. This development signifies a notable change for Costa Rica, historically seen as a tranquil haven in Central America, now prioritizing the battle against drug trafficking and adopting strategies from its Central American neighbor. The CECOT has come to represent President Nayib Bukele's security approach, which has successfully lowered murder rates in El Salvador, although it has drawn criticism for alleged human rights violations during the ongoing state of emergency initiated in 2022, resulting in over 91,000 incarcerations. Costa Rica is not alone; Ecuador, along with the newly elected leaders of Peru and Colombia, has also sought inspiration from Bukele, who has dubbed himself the "coolest dictator in the world." This hardline security approach is gaining traction across the region, with support from US President Donald Trump.