AGP Executive Report

ICE Custody Deaths: A 36-year-old Costa Rican, Carlos Josué Marchena, died in U.S. ICE custody in Louisiana after family says he repeatedly reported missed insulin shots and meals for type 1 diabetes, adding to a growing pattern of detainee deaths. UN Leadership Race: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is leading an early UN Security Council straw poll for the next secretary-general, with Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett close behind. Costa Rica–Cuba Rift: Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera renewed attacks on Cuba’s “vile tyranny” and reaffirmed the diplomatic break, while Cuba says it was not formally notified. Local Politics: Costa Rican lawmakers rejected a minute of silence in the Legislative Assembly for Marchena, triggering a tense clash between ruling and opposition blocs. Public Health: The CDC issued a Level 1 travel notice for Costa Rica due to a hepatitis A outbreak, with most cases reported in San José province. Environment & Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s new wildlife-crossing law is moving toward implementation, but the technical rules and corridor mapping could take years.

Diplomacy Break With Cuba: Costa Rica’s Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera called Cuba a “vile tyranny” and reaffirmed the severing of diplomatic relations, saying the decision dates back to last March after embassy closures tied to human-rights concerns. Child Safety Alert: Costa Rican authorities warn that child sexual abuse suspects are often known to victims—relatives or people in their close circle—after a Heredia case involving a step-grandfather led to a 48-year sentence. Immigration Case in Florida: Costa Rican creator Julián Valverde was released from ICE custody after five days; his case remains open following his arrest over an expired license. Health Advisory for Travelers: The CDC issued a Level 1 travel notice for hepatitis A, with most cases reported in San José province. UN Secretary-General Race: Reuters reports Rebeca Grynspan remains narrowly ahead in a Security Council straw poll as Michelle Bachelet withdraws from the race. Environment & Infrastructure: A new law requires wildlife crossings, but implementation could take years; meanwhile, heavy rains disrupted access to Irazú and Route 32. Sports & Local Life: Costa Rica’s velodrome reopened after major repairs but cyclists report new cracks and loose material; and Costa Rica kicks off CONCACAF Nations League play vs Curaçao. Data Leak Probe: Prodhab opened its own investigation into an alleged mass data leak involving a credit reporting agency.

UN Diplomacy: Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan has moved back into the lead in the UN Secretary-General race after the Security Council’s third secret straw poll, edging out Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, though no clear winner has emerged yet. Wildlife & Infrastructure: Costa Rica’s new law on wildlife crossings is finally in place, but the practical rules and corridor mapping could take years before construction changes begin. Data Privacy: Prodhab has opened its own probe into an alleged massive personal-data leak, joining Micitt and prosecutors after a dark-web post claimed access to hundreds of millions of records. Sustainability Push: Costa Rica will launch the “State of Sustainability in Costa Rica 2026” project to measure business, social, and environmental performance nationwide. Tourism Disruption: Heavy rains and landslides have disrupted access to Irazú Volcano and the Caribbean route, including Route 32 closures. Environment & Culture: A Costa Rica documentary team made history filming predatory behavior of a newly identified wild cat in Bolivia, while Costa Rica’s orchid story highlights the long fight against plant smuggling. International Tensions: Cuba accuses Costa Rica’s foreign minister of aligning with US policy after claims of a diplomatic rupture—an issue Costa Rica says is tied to human-rights concerns.

UN Secretary-General Race: Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan has regained the lead in the UN Security Council’s third secret straw poll, getting 9 “encourage” votes versus Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett’s 8, though no final consensus is in sight. Diplomacy With Cuba: Costa Rica’s foreign minister Manuel Tovar Rivera says diplomatic relations with Cuba are fully severed, while Cuba disputes the claim and says it was never formally notified. Sustainability Data Push: Costa Rica will launch the “State of Sustainability in Costa Rica 2026” to measure business, social, and environmental performance nationwide. Public Data Leak Probe: Costa Rica’s data protection agency Prodhab has opened its own investigation into an alleged massive dark-web leak tied to a credit reporting agency. Travel Disruption: Heavy rains have blocked access to Irazú Volcano and forced closures on Route 32 in the Caribbean corridor. Tourism Marketing: Costa Rica is rolling out a major campaign in Paris, including large billboards and a strong presence at a top travel trade show. Wildlife Moment: Rangers recorded rare orcas near Cocos Island, a seldom-seen sighting for the area.

UN Secretary-General race: Chile’s former President Michelle Bachelet has withdrawn from the UN chief race, leaving Rebeca Grynspan (Costa Rica) and Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett in a tight contest after the UN Security Council’s latest straw poll. Local infrastructure: Heavy rains triggered a landslide blocking Route 219 toward Irazú Volcano and debris forced the closure of Route 32, disrupting access to key tourism and Caribbean routes. Data security: Costa Rica’s data protection agency (Prodhab) opened a case into an alleged massive credit-reporting data leak circulating on the dark web, alongside parallel probes by Micitt and prosecutors. Environment & health: A new report warns “plastic pollution hotspots” across Latin America are worsening public health as waste systems buckle under imported plastic. Tourism push: Costa Rica launched a major European campaign in Paris with large-format billboards and a strong presence at IFTM Top Resa. Diplomacy: Cuba accused Costa Rica’s foreign minister of announcing a diplomatic rupture via media rather than formal channels, as Costa Rica confirms the break.

UN Leadership Race: Costa Rican diplomat Rebeca Grynspan is back in the lead after the UN Security Council’s third secret straw poll, edging Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett as the race to replace António Guterres stays tight. Cuba Diplomatic Rift: Costa Rica’s foreign minister says the country has fully severed diplomatic relations with Cuba, while Havana accuses him of acting under U.S. pressure and says it was never formally notified. Cybersecurity: Costa Rica’s data protection agency opened an investigation into an alleged massive dark-web leak tied to a credit reporting firm, after claims of hundreds of millions of personal records. Tourism Push: Costa Rica launched a major tourism campaign in Paris, using large billboards and a strong trade-show presence to attract more European visitors. Environment & Science: A past orange-waste dumping experiment in Costa Rica’s forests is being revisited, with researchers finding it unexpectedly helped restore degraded land. Wildlife Watch: Rare orca sightings near Cocos Island have park rangers capturing video of a small group, including possible juveniles.

UN Spotlight: Costa Rica’s Rebeca Grynspan is back in front in the UN Secretary-General race after the Security Council’s third secret straw poll, edging Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett (9 “encourage” vs 8), though no clear winner has emerged and more candidates could still jump in. Diplomacy Shock: Costa Rica confirmed a diplomatic rupture with Cuba, routing consular services via Panama, while Cuba’s foreign ministry says it was never formally notified and accuses Costa Rica of following U.S. policy. Cybersecurity: Costa Rica’s data protection agency (Prodhab) opened an investigation into alleged exposure of millions of personal records after a dark web post claimed data from a credit reporting firm, with both administrative and criminal probes underway. Health System Pressure: A nationwide CCSS strike is set to prioritize emergency care, but patients could see delays in other services depending on staffing. Environment Twist: A long-ago orange-peel dumping deal in Guanacaste—once ruled unlawful—later turned into an unexpected forest restoration experiment, according to researchers who revisited the site. Culture & Peace: Alajuela’s Peace Festival de Arte runs free from Sept. 23 to January, using art to promote peace and community change.

Diplomatic Rift with Cuba: Costa Rica says it has fully broken diplomatic relations with Cuba, with Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar Rivera arguing the move will stay until Cubans “regain their freedom,” while MINREX says Cuba was never formally notified. UN Leadership Race: Rebeca Grynspan is back in the lead after the UN Security Council’s third secret straw poll, narrowly ahead of Guyana’s Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, but no final consensus is in sight and more candidates could still enter. Cybersecurity Probe: Costa Rica’s data protection agency (Prodhab) opened an investigation into a claimed massive dark-web leak tied to credit reporting firm Cero Riesgo, after a report from the National Cybersecurity Directorate. Health System Strike Watch: The CCSS says it will prioritize emergency care during a nationwide strike called for today, though some non-urgent services may be delayed. Local Justice Update: Costa Rican appeals judges ruled child support paid in dollars must use a clear, checkable exchange rate when converted to colones. Environment: Rare orcas were spotted near Cocos Island during routine park monitoring, captured on video.

Data Security: Costa Rica’s data protection agency (Prodhab) opened an investigation after a dark-web post claimed a credit reporting company’s database was exposed, allegedly including hundreds of millions of records such as salaries, addresses, phone numbers, emails, photos, and court details; authorities say the case is also under criminal review. Immigration & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Manuel Tovar reiterated Costa Rica’s openness to people fleeing repression, while confirming the full diplomatic break with Cuba, including comments on the possibility of receiving deported Cubans from the U.S. UN Politics: Former Costa Rican vice president Rebeca Grynspan is narrowly ahead in a third UN Security Council straw poll for the next secretary-general, as the U.S. urges the UN to “return to basics” on peace and security. Public Health & Labor: The CCSS is preparing backup plans for a nationwide strike over payroll problems, prioritizing emergency care, births, cancer treatment, and urgent surgery. Local Governance & Rights: Independence Eve protests in Cartago spilled into Independence Day, with police defending security steps and a teachers’ union taking its complaint to Costa Rica’s top court. Health System Reform: The Medical Association proposes using a platform to let private doctors help reduce CCSS waiting lists. Crime & Justice: A new high-security prison for organized crime (CACCO) is expected to be ready for handover by late September and start operating in October. Tourism & Culture: Costa Rica won two Travel Marketing Awards in the UK for its “This is Pura Vida” campaign.

Family Law Update: Costa Rican appeals judges ruled that when child support is paid in dollars but ordered in colones, courts must use a clear, checkable exchange rate—not a vague or outdated one. Health System Pressure: The CCSS is preparing for a nationwide strike over payroll problems, with emergency care prioritized while other services could see delays. Cybersecurity Alert: Costa Rica is investigating an alleged massive data leak tied to credit reporting firm Cero Riesgo, with authorities unable to confirm the scope yet. Independence Day Fallout: Cartago’s Independence Eve security and protest access sparked backlash, including complaints that people were blocked or removed during faroles and cabinet events. Tourism & Culture: Costa Rica’s “This is Pura Vida” campaign won Gold and Silver at the UK Travel Marketing Awards, while Río Celeste and other destinations push special seasonal offers. International Watch: The U.S. and Lithuania signed a critical minerals pact, and Costa Rica’s ties to global security discussions continue.

U.N. Spotlight on Reform: As world leaders arrive for the UN General Assembly, analysts warn the organization is still stuck in a permanent crisis of money, relevance, and internal reform—under the looming shadow of Donald Trump’s return. Health System Pressure: Costa Rica’s Medical Association is pushing a plan to use private doctors to help clear CCSS waiting lists, while the CCSS prepares for a nationwide strike over payroll problems, prioritizing emergency care and urgent treatments. Cybersecurity Alarm: Costa Rica is investigating an alleged massive data leak tied to credit reporting firm Cero Riesgo, with officials saying the claims can’t yet be confirmed. Crime and Justice: The government says a new high-security prison for organized crime (CACCO) should be ready in about 15 days, with operations targeted for October. Politics and Independence Tensions: Opposition legislators are calling for Rodrigo Chaves’s resignation after a Cartago incident during Independence events, as protests and security disputes continue to spill into Independence Day. Tourism Wins: Costa Rica’s “This is Pura Vida” campaign picked up Gold and Silver at UK Travel Marketing Awards. International Culture: Debi Nova earns a Latin Grammy nomination for Todo puede convertirse en canción.

Independence Protests & Court Fight: Costa Rica’s 205th Independence Eve sparked clashes in Cartago, with police defending a security perimeter while the teachers’ union took its exclusion complaint to the Constitutional Chamber; the fallout also fed into wider criticism of President Laura Fernández’s judiciary overhaul and the court’s renewal process. Health Workers Strike: CCSS health unions are preparing a nationwide 24-hour strike starting 6 a.m. tomorrow over missing or incomplete salaries tied to a new payroll module. Cybersecurity Alert: Costa Rica’s cyber directorate is investigating a dark-web post claiming tens of millions of personal records, including ID photos and court files, while officials say they can’t yet confirm a real breach. Drug Violence Shift: OIJ interim director Michael Soto warns Mexican cartels are reshaping operations in Costa Rica through subcontracting networks that provide logistics and security. Energy & Cost Pressures: RECOPE says fuel prices will jump in October, and the country is also watching rising costs that are pricing out many middle-class vacations. Tourism & Culture: Costa Rica won two UK Travel Marketing Awards for “This is Pura Vida,” while Debi Nova earned a Latin Grammy nomination.

Independence Protests at Court: Police defended security and access limits during Cartago’s Independence Eve ceremony after teachers’ union APSE took its exclusion complaint to Costa Rica’s Constitutional Chamber, as lantern marches for “democracy” continued nationwide. Labor Action in Health System: CCSS health workers plan a nationwide 24-hour strike starting 6 a.m. tomorrow over unpaid or incomplete salaries tied to a new payroll module introduced in July. Drug War Shift: OIJ interim director Michael Soto warns Mexican cartels are subcontracting operations inside Costa Rica, fragmenting structures and relying on local service networks for logistics and security. Transnational Repression Concern: Nicaraguan dissident Reinaldo Picado, a Costa Rica refugee, was shot in San José; groups blame Ortega’s regime and say Costa Rica is protecting him under OIJ. Cybersecurity Alert: MICITT says it’s investigating a dark-web post claiming tens of millions of Costa Rican personal records, but can’t confirm a real breach yet. Energy & Prices: RECOPE says fuel prices will jump in October, citing international market pressures and regional disruptions.

Wellness Tourism Push: Costa Rica is doubling down on its “Wellness Pura Vida” strategy, pitching forest therapy, volcanic hot springs, and Blue Zone-style living to international travelers while tying the offer to sustainable local development. Independence Day Tensions: Ahead of the 205th anniversary, Cartago’s Independence Torch and lantern traditions continue, but merchants and residents report police blockades, ID checks, and business closure orders tied to security concerns and threats against President Laura Fernández. Nicaragua Repression Fears: Exiled Nicaraguan dissident Reinaldo Picado was shot in Costa Rica and is recovering under OIJ protection, with activists blaming Daniel Ortega’s regime and calling it transnational repression. Security and Crime Shift: The OIJ warns Mexican cartels are subcontracting services inside Costa Rica, fragmenting operations through local networks for logistics, security, fuel, and transport. Cybersecurity Alert: MICITT says it’s investigating a dark-web post claiming tens of millions of Costa Rican personal records, but can’t confirm a real breach yet. Cost of Living Pressure: RECOPE says fuel prices will jump in October, and a separate report highlights how rising travel costs are pricing many middle-class families out of vacations. Tech and Infrastructure: Banco de Costa Rica rolls out 421 next-gen contactless ATMs nationwide, and Juan Santamaría Airport begins using biometric eGates for faster immigration processing.

Public Safety & Health: Costa Rica hospitals logged nearly 10,000 gunshot emergencies since 2020, with 9,970 firearm-related cases recorded through July 31, 2026—showing the security crisis is hitting survivors, surgeries, and long-term care, not just homicide numbers. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave #43 is keeping conditions unstable this Sunday, with heavy rain, thunderstorms, and flood/landslide risks across vulnerable areas. Cybersecurity: Costa Rica’s cyber authority is investigating a dark-web post claiming tens of millions of personal records, including ID photos and court files, but officials say they can’t yet confirm a real breach or the data’s authenticity. Independence Day Tensions: In Cartago’s 205th independence torch events, police blockades reportedly barred some lantern parade participants, while merchants and attendees raised concerns about who was allowed into the official area. Energy & Costs: RECOPE says fuel prices will jump in October, citing international market pressures and regional disruptions. Economy & Tech: Banco de Costa Rica rolled out 421 next-gen contactless ATMs nationwide, and Juan Santamaría Airport began using biometric eGates to speed up immigration checks. Crime & Cross-Border Links: The OIJ warns Mexican cartels are reshaping operations in Costa Rica through subcontracting networks, while a Nicaraguan opposition figure, Reinaldo Picado Miranda, was shot in San José. Business/Travel: A new Costa Rica Report 2026 highlights the country’s MedTech boom and investment push, while a Jaco travel guide launches to help visitors plan trips.

Cybersecurity & Privacy: Costa Rica’s National Cybersecurity Directorate is investigating a dark-web post claiming tens of millions of personal records, including ID photos and court files, but MICITT says it can’t yet confirm a real breach or the data’s authenticity. Public Safety & Health: CCSS data shows hospitals handled 9,970 gunshot emergencies since 2020, with 810 in the first seven months of 2026—proof the violence burden reaches far beyond homicide counts. Local Governance & Business: Cartago merchants are pushing back against a municipal order requiring closures around the Independence Torch reception, saying the documents behind the decision weren’t published and citing security and crowd concerns. Technology & Services: Banco de Costa Rica rolled out 421 next-generation ATMs nationwide with NFC contactless withdrawals, touchscreen interfaces, and accessibility features. Energy & Transparency: Solar Experts Costa Rica says it’s publishing real solar project proposals and quotes online to cut “middleman” markups and opaque pricing. Diplomacy & Security: Costa Rica’s foreign minister spoke by phone with Ukraine’s counterpart about Black Sea security and Russia’s missile and drone attacks, with both sides discussing air defense and global food-security risks. Weather & Emergencies: Tropical Wave #43 keeps conditions unstable Sunday, with heavy rain and storm risk; authorities warn of flooding, landslides, and fast-rising rivers. Immigration Enforcement: Immigration police arrested a migration agency employee in Limón accused of manipulating residency renewal records tied to a suspected criminal network. Sports: Costa Rican goalkeeper Génesis Pérez made her official debut for Atlético de Madrid Femenino in Liga F against Barcelona. Independence Torch: The student relay flame is scheduled to reach San José and then Cartago tonight ahead of Tuesday’s 205th independence anniversary.