Costa Rica: Anti-immigration march planned in San José September 2 /update 3

Event

Anti-immigration organizations have planned a march in San José on Sunday, September 2, to demand that the government adopt measures to limit immigration to Costa Rica amid a recent increase in migration from Nicaragua. Participants are expected to gather at 12:00 (local time) at Plaza de la Democracia and march along Avenida 2 and the Pan-American Highway en route to John F. Kennedy Park. A heightened security presence and localized transportation disruptions are expected near the march route. Clashes between protesters and police cannot be ruled out. Further related protests are possible in the coming days and weeks.

Context

A related protest held on August 18 turned violent when clashes broke out between protesters, police, and Nicaraguan refugees. Police arrested 44 people for their roles in the violence and seized eight Molotov cocktails and approximately 20 guns.

The demonstrations come amid a recent influx of Nicaraguan refugees into Costa Rica since a political crisis broke out in Nicaragua in April. At least 23,000 Nicaraguans have applied for asylum in Costa Rica since June.  

Advice

Individuals in Costa Rica, and particularly those in San José, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.