Costa Rica opens new prison inspired by Bukele to combat organized crime

Costa Rica opened a maximum security prison this Wednesday (14) as it intensifies the fight against organized crime, following an increase in the number of homicides in a country that has long been considered one of the safest in Latin America.

President Laura Fernández inaugurated the High Containment Center against Organized Crime, or Cacco, a prison inspired by Cecot, the mega penitentiary complex in El Salvador. The arrest is one of the main elements of Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele's offensive against the gangs that made the country one of the most violent in the world.

Cacco, located on the outskirts of the capital, San José, has capacity for 5,100 inmates, which corresponds to around 20% of the country's prison population.

Costa Rica recorded a historic record of 905 homicides in 2023, according to judicial data. The number fell only slightly, to 876 in 2024 and 873 in 2025, remaining well above previously recorded levels. Authorities say most of the murders are related to disputes between criminal groups over drug trafficking routes and local markets.

"Cacco will make criminals face a new model — a model of getting tough on crime. Costa Rica will become a global reference in prison security," said Fernández during the inauguration ceremony.

The president also announced a visit to El Salvador on Friday (16).

Bukele's offensive is widely blamed for the sharp reduction in gang violence in El Salvador, but human rights organizations say it has also resulted in mass arbitrary detentions, violations of due process and a weakening of democratic safeguards.

Fernández said that the impact of the new arrest will depend, in part, on whether the Judiciary is able to obtain more convictions. His government has clashed with judicial authorities over security policy and budget cuts, while judges and prosecutors have warned against pressure on democratic checks and balances between powers.

Justice Minister Gabriel Aguilar presented Cacco as part of a broader effort to regain state control over the penitentiary system, which, according to him, has been infiltrated by organized crime. The first transfers of prisoners to the unit will take place at the end of October.

Fernández recently told Reuters that a greater U.S. security presence would help Costa Rica confront drug trafficking and organized crime, although current cooperation remains focused on patrolling, investigations and efforts to extradite leaders of criminal organizations.