Latest news in Costa Rica? September 17th, 2026

High-Security Prison Set to Open in October The Costa Rican government announced that construction of the new maximum-security facility for organized crime, the Centro de Alta Contención del Crimen Organizado (CACCO), will be completed within 15 days, with operations scheduled to begin in October 2026. Built within the La Reforma penitentiary complex in Alajuela and influenced by El Salvador’s CECOT design, the complex is designed to house up to 5,100 inmates to combat prison overcrowding and cut off communications between incarcerated cartel leaders and criminal networks outside.

The Tico Times

Security and Crime Crackdowns Under the Fernández Administration Following the 2026 presidential election, President Laura Fernández Delgado’s administration has focused heavily on anti-narcotics enforcement, border security, and penal reform to counter the influence of regional transnational cartels operating along Pacific and Caribbean shipping corridors.

Central American Drought and Agriculture Prolonged dry conditions affecting the Central American corridor have placed pressure on Costa Rica’s agricultural and livestock sectors. The drought has also heightened scrutiny around reservoir management to maintain the country’s high reliance on hydroelectric generation and near-100% renewable power grid.

Sports: Upcoming CONCACAF Nations League Fixtures The Costa Rica men’s national football team is finalizing preparations for the opening group stage matches of the 2026–27 CONCACAF Nations League, facing Curaçao on September 24 and Haiti shortly after.