AGP Executive Report

Latin American Politics: A coalition of 24 lawmakers from 14 countries condemned Colombian President Gustavo Petro after he used the Nazi phrase “Heil Hitler” in response to a column, calling it improper for democratic debate and warning it trivializes Holocaust crimes. Costa Rica Diplomacy & Security: Costa Rica’s Public Security Minister Gerald Campos met Dominican counterparts to share citizen-security strategies, including the Dominican Republic’s Joint Task Force coordination model. Costa Rica in the Spotlight: Costa Rica’s President Laura Fernández ranks third in a CB poll of best-rated Latin American leaders, behind El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele and Mexico’s Claudia Sheinbaum. Local News/Travel: Fog and rain at Juan Santamaría Airport in Alajuela diverted five flights and delayed multiple international and some domestic routes. Environment & Food Safety: Costa Rica researchers report microplastics across beaches and the food chain, including fish, livestock, poultry, and even Isla del Coco. Trade & Jobs: Canada announced new or renewed fish and seafood market access that includes Costa Rica, aiming to expand export opportunities for coastal and rural producers. World Cup Cross-Links: England plays Costa Rica in Orlando as part of final warm-ups, while security concerns in Kansas City add pressure ahead of the tournament.

Peru Election Watch: Leftist congressman Roberto Sanchez edged ahead of conservative Keiko Fujimori in Peru’s presidential runoff as vote counting neared 94%, with Sanchez at 50.01% and Fujimori at 49.99%, rattling markets and mining stocks. Trade & Labor Policy: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed new Section 301 forced-labor tariffs on imports from 60 economies, with rates of 10% or 12.5% depending on each country’s enforcement status, and a July 6 comment deadline. Public Safety: Kansas City shootings near England’s World Cup base left nine injured, raising security concerns as the tournament approaches. Costa Rica Governance: ICE says it may demolish its historic La Sabana headquarters building after finding structural safety issues, even as core operations moved to Sabana Sur. Migration: Costa Rica received another group of 25 deported foreigners from the U.S. under the March 2026 third-country agreement. Environment: UNA warns El Niño could cut Guanacaste rainfall by up to 50% and strain water and energy later in 2026.

Costa Rica Trade & Jobs: The Legislative Assembly approved a reform for the Depósito Libre Comercial de Golfito, letting existing concession holders negotiate direct extensions of up to 10 years with JUDESUR—avoiding a new public bidding process when contracts expire, a move aimed at stabilizing businesses and protecting jobs in the southern zone. World Cup Security: Two separate violence incidents in U.S. host cities left nine injured ahead of the 2026 tournament—six stabbed at New York’s Penn Station and nine shot near England’s Kansas City base camp, with victims expected to survive and no suspects initially in custody. England Camp Watch: Coach Thomas Tuchel said Jude Bellingham has “a fight” for a starting spot as England weighs multiple “proper starters,” while Declan Rice was named vice-captain for the World Cup. Inflation & Economy: OECD headline inflation rose to 4.4% in April, driven by energy prices, while inflation stayed negative in Costa Rica. Costa Rica on Screen: Amazon Prime Video will release “Latidos en la Lluvia,” a Costa Rica-shot documentary following five women cancer survivors crossing the country.

Central America Security: Reporting says Trump’s “Shield of the Americas” is reshaping anti-drug strategy across the region, with U.S.-aligned governments pushing tougher rhetoric and seeking technical help as trafficking routes shift. Peru Election: Peru holds a tight presidential runoff Sunday between conservative Keiko Fujimori and leftist Roberto Sanchez, with crime driving voter anxiety and the result seen as a test of Latin America’s rightward turn. World Cup Prep, England: England’s World Cup build-up in Florida continues after a 1-0 warm-up win over New Zealand; Thomas Tuchel named Declan Rice as vice-captain and praised Harry Kane’s form, while the squad adjusts to heat and a newly laid pitch. Local Safety in Kansas City: A mass shooting near England’s World Cup base in Kansas City left nine adults injured, all expected to survive, with no suspects in custody. Public Health & Travel: CDC alerts expand Ebola screening at major U.S. airports and also flag risks tied to medical tourism, raising concerns for international hubs like Los Angeles. Costa Rica Culture/Media: Amazon Prime will release a Costa Rican documentary, “Latidos en la Lluvia,” following cancer survivors on a coast-to-coast journey.

World Cup Warm-Up (England): Harry Kane scored the only goal as England beat New Zealand 1-0 in Tampa, with Thomas Tuchel rotating heavily at halftime and using the match to test players in sweltering heat and on a newly-laid pitch. Local Sports & Culture (Costa Rica): Costa Rica’s Miss Universe representative was crowned—Mariale Acosta took the title after a live national gala in San José. Health & Policy (US politics, Mexico link): Marjorie Taylor Greene says she traveled to Mexico for unapproved stem cell treatments, arguing the U.S. should legalize the therapy—an issue that keeps colliding with FDA rules. Aviation & Travel (Costa Rica access): Southwest announced a new weekly Nashville-to-Liberia (Guanacaste) route for early 2027, adding another direct U.S. link for beach and tourism travelers. International Spotlight (Costa Rica in global news): A Costa Rica-set Amazon Prime documentary, “Latidos en la Lluvia,” will follow five cancer survivors on a coast-to-coast journey, supported by the national tourism board.

Costa Rica–Nicaragua Security: Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar said he’s concerned about a “significant presence” of Russian military personnel in Nicaragua, citing renewed military cooperation and warning that a small, army-free country must defend the rules-based order. Local Access Fight: Garabito officials removed the barrier at Playa Blanca near Punta Leona, ending a long-running dispute over public beach access; police confrontations followed as the resort challenged the move. Tourism & Travel Links: Southwest announced a new weekly Nashville–Liberia (Guanacaste) route for early 2027, adding another direct U.S. option for beach travel. World Cup Build-Up (Costa Rica link): England begin their pre-tournament run in Tampa vs New Zealand, then face Costa Rica next week—while FIFA reversed a water-bottle rule after backlash. Regional Politics & U.S. Influence: A new flashpoint over alleged U.S. political backing surfaced in Colombia, with Shield of the Americas countries also condemning Bolivia protest efforts tied to claims of attempts to overturn an elected government.

Costa Rica–Nicaragua Security: Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar said he’s concerned about a “significant presence” of Russian military personnel in Nicaragua, pointing to renewed military cooperation with Moscow and warning that even a small, army-free country must defend the rules-based order. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s court ruling holds government agencies responsible for power-line electrocutions harming wildlife, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara after cases involving howler monkeys. Trade & Tariffs: The U.S. is moving ahead with Section 301 forced-labor tariffs, proposing 10–12.5% duties on 60 economies; Costa Rica is mentioned via CAFTA-DR-related textile/apparel exemptions. Regional Politics: The U.S. and the Shield of the Americas condemned Bolivia’s unrest efforts aimed at overturning President Rodrigo Paz’s elected government, including Costa Rica among signatories. Public Safety: SINAPROC concluded a rescue operation for exhausted hikers in Panama’s Ngäbe-Buglé region, coordinating air evacuation for four people. Culture & National Spotlight: Costa Rica crowns its Miss Universe representative tonight, a long-running pageant tradition with major national media attention.

Wildlife & Courts: Costa Rica’s beach and power-line fights kept heating up: a Garabito court-backed public access dispute at Playa Blanca turned physical, with municipal crews removing a barrier and police detaining suspects after clashes. Environmental Justice: A new court ruling holds Costa Rican agencies responsible for howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara as advocates push for safer design like insulated cables. Foreign Policy: Costa Rica’s foreign minister said he’s uneasy about Russia’s renewed military presence in Nicaragua, warning it’s “far from where it should be.” Public Safety & Health: The week also flagged rising measles risk ahead of the World Cup and broader extreme-weather planning concerns. Economy & Risk: Costa Rica’s insurance sector hit a major milestone in premiums while shifting toward voluntary coverage—alongside climate-driven operational pressures.

Costa Rica–U.S. Trade: The U.S. Trade Representative is proposing forced-labor tariffs that would hit Costa Rica at the 12.5% tier, after findings that the country lacks an adequately enforced ban on forced-labor imports—an action that could raise costs for regional exporters. Costa Rica Economy & Taxes: The IMF is urging Costa Rica to raise revenue with VAT changes (including on the basic food basket), VAT on the school bonus, and income-tax adjustments for higher earners—moves that would reshape the tax debate in the Legislative Assembly. Public Safety & Politics: President Laura Fernández says an alleged assassination plot is being investigated by the Ministry of Justice, while she insists she will keep fighting organized crime. Local Governance & Risk: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake rattled Costa Rica’s southern zone near Puerto Jiménez, with authorities monitoring for aftershocks. Sports (Costa Rica in the mix): England’s pre-World Cup camp includes a friendly vs Costa Rica, while Iran’s World Cup travel plans continue amid visa uncertainty. Aviation (Costa Rica): Southwest is set to launch a new direct Las Vegas–San José route, signaling growing air connectivity to Costa Rica.

Costa Rica Tax Pressure: The IMF is urging Costa Rica to raise revenue fast, including VAT hikes on the basic food basket (from 1% to 13%), VAT on the school bonus, and changes to income tax exemptions—moves lawmakers are already debating. Currency Watch: The dollar has bounced back in Costa Rica, climbing to about ¢461 per dollar as analysts link the shift to wider U.S.-Iran trade effects, though economists warn it may be temporary. Public Safety Update: A magnitude 5.0 earthquake rattled Costa Rica’s southern zone near Puerto Jiménez/Osa, with authorities reporting no injuries or major damage and only routine monitoring. Immigration & Enforcement: U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin told lawmakers he’d be “happy” to send Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica, as his legal team pushes for that option. Travel & Trade: Southwest Airlines plans a new nonstop Las Vegas–San José route, while IMF and tariff headlines abroad underline how global policy shifts can quickly reach Costa Rica’s economy.

Tariff Shake-Up: The Trump administration is rolling out a new Section 301 tariff plan after the Supreme Court struck down earlier moves, proposing duties on 60 economies over forced-labor enforcement failures, with rates reportedly ranging from 10% to 12.5% and a July 7 hearing ahead. Immigration & Courts (Costa Rica link): DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin told a Senate hearing he’d be “happy to send” Kilmar Abrego Garcia to Costa Rica, a potential twist in his deportation fight. Forced Labor Trade Watch (Costa Rica named): Costa Rica is listed among countries found to have failed to effectively enforce forced-labor import bans, putting it directly in the tariff crosshairs. Migration Policy (Costa Rica): Costa Rica reactivated a special migration category letting thousands of Cubans (and some from Nicaragua, Venezuela, and Colombia) live and work legally even with unresolved or rejected asylum cases, starting Sept. 1, 2026. Public Health (World Cup risk): PAHO warned measles is surging across the Americas and urged stronger surveillance and vaccination steps ahead of the 2026 World Cup, naming Costa Rica among affected countries. San José Legal Milestone: Costa Rica’s appeals court ordered deferred extradition to the U.S. for “Macho Coca” Gilbert Hernán Bell Fernández, contingent on his local case finishing.

U.S.-Costa Rica Trade Pressure: The U.S. Trade Representative proposed Section 301 tariffs tied to forced-labor enforcement failures, listing Costa Rica among 60 economies under review; the plan would add duties of 10% or 12.5% depending on each country’s commitments, with a July 7 hearing before any action. Local Justice: Costa Rican appeals judges ordered the deferred extradition to the U.S. of “Macho Coca” businessman Gilbert Hernán Bell Fernández, clearing the way for surrender once his local criminal case is resolved, while reinstating detention and travel restrictions. Education Watch: Ghana’s tertiary regulator GTEC flagged 70 unrecognized institutions and urged students to verify accreditation—an issue that also matters for cross-border credentials. Public Health: PAHO warned measles is surging across the Americas ahead of the 2026 World Cup, naming Costa Rica among countries with reported cases linked to outbreaks or imports. Startup Push in Costa Rica: LEAPCR was launched to accelerate high-potential startups, attract investment, and create jobs, supported by the Inter-American Development Bank and Costa Rican partners.

Costa Rica Immigration: Costa Rica announced an extraordinary regularization program for Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum seekers with pending or rejected cases, aiming to protect legal stay and let beneficiaries work in the formal economy. Public Health: PAHO warned that measles cases are surging ahead of the 2026 World Cup, with the Americas seeing a fourfold jump versus last year; Costa Rica is among countries reporting outbreak-linked cases. Energy & Cost of Living: Drivers in Costa Rica are seeing “super” gasoline priced below regular, after ARESEP set tariffs that keep the premium grade a few colones cheaper. Business & Diplomacy: FIFCO named Timothy Scott Hall—formerly a long-time Intel executive—as Director of Corporate Affairs, a major corporate leadership move in Costa Rica. Regional Travel & Payments: BAC Credomatic began charging a 6% fee for foreign-cardholders who choose to pay in their home currency via dynamic currency conversion, while travelers were also reminded to check Ebola-related entry guidance for World Cup travel.

Immigration Regularization: Costa Rica announced a special temporary category letting thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum seekers regularize status and work legally starting Sept. 1, 2026, aimed at people with pending or rejected cases amid delays in refugee processing. Security & Organized Crime: President Laura Fernández, at the second Elite Force meeting, pushed a bill to impose tougher penalties for owners of properties with clandestine airstrips, citing about 200 such sites and the need for stronger sanctions and coordinated aerial surveillance. Diplomacy: A joint UN Security Council statement condemned a Russian drone violation of Romanian airspace, with Costa Rica among the signatories. Sports & National Mood: Costa Rica’s La Sele fell 3-1 to Colombia in a friendly, a painful coda after the team was eliminated from 2026 World Cup contention. Culture & Film: Costa Rican director Paz Fábrega won further funding for her hybrid doc “To the Future,” pitching at ECAM Forum’s co-production market in Madrid.

Nicaragua Repression: Indigenous leader Brooklyn Rivera, imprisoned by Nicaragua’s Ortega government, has died in custody, with authorities citing a bacterial infection after COVID-related decline—rights groups call it neglect and repression. Colombia–Costa Rica Spotlight: Colombia hosted Costa Rica in a World Cup send-off friendly in Bogota, with the match framed as a confidence-builder ahead of Colombia’s tournament return and Costa Rica’s rebuilding phase. Costa Rica Governance & Security: Costa Rica’s president ordered polygraph tests for top officials amid political conflict over an energy bill, while separate coverage highlights ongoing public-sector pressure points. Education Oversight: Ghana’s tertiary regulator (GTEC) warned the public about 70 unrecognized institutions, including a Costa Rica-based university, urging credential checks. Local Economy & Culture: Costa Rica’s Cup of Excellence crowned top coffees from Los Santos, with multiple Geisha and washed lots scoring above 91. World Cup Build-Up: England began pre-tournament preparations in Florida, including friendlies vs New Zealand and Costa Rica, as teams finalize rosters and acclimatize.

World Cup build-up (England): Thomas Tuchel’s England squad landed in Miami to start World Cup preparations, with warm-ups vs New Zealand and Costa Rica before moving to Kansas City. World Cup build-up (England captain): Harry Kane said the “brotherhood” approach is meant to end England’s 60-year trophy wait, with expectations now to “get over the line.” Costa Rica football (friendly): Colombia hosts Costa Rica in Bogotá in a key tune-up ahead of both teams’ World Cup campaigns, with Costa Rica still rebuilding after missing 2026. Costa Rica climate risk: Oceanographers warn unusually warm Pacific waters are raising the odds of erosion and flooding as Costa Rica heads into the more storm-prone second half of the year. Tourism spotlight: Costa Rica landed on the cover of National Geographic Traveller (UK), highlighting conservation and “coast to coast” travel. Public safety/education (GTEC): Ghana’s tertiary regulator warned the public about 70 unrecognized institutions, including one listed as operating in Costa Rica. Local community (nonprofit): A Costa Rica clean-water effort is being funded through an Evansville yard sale supporting Agua Viva Serves. Security tech (PatrolTech): A Costa Rica-linked startup says it’s digitizing security rounds to improve traceability and cut serious incidents.