Costa Rica draws inspiration from El Salvador's CECOT with new massive high security prison

Costa Rican officials are expected to break ground this year on a new massive high security prison that draws its inspiration from El Salvador's notorious Terrorism Confinement Center (CECOT).

El Salvador's prison gained prominence recently after President Donald Trump sent some of the United States' illegal migrants, including Kilmar Abrego Garcia, to CECOT during his massive crackdown on illegal immigration. 

The Central American country's new maximum-security prison will house 5,100 inmates who are linked to drug trafficking and violent gangs as the country attempts to quell a surge in organized crime, according to the country's newspaper, The Tico Times. Costa Rica's government has budgeted $35 million for the project.

Costa Rica's Center for High Containment of Organized Crime will include advanced monitoring and separation to prevent escapes or internal plots, and construction is expected to take less than a year.

The new construction comes as Costa Rica, which was previously known for being the safest country in Central America, sees an increase in violent crimes and homicide connected to international drug routes. 

Misty Severi is a news reporter for Just The News. You can follow her on X for more coverage.