MS-13 Presence in Costa Rica

Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) and rival Barrio 18 have a limited presence in Costa Rica compared to the Northern Triangle (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador). Factors restricting their foothold:

• Stricter immigration laws and enforcement.
• Robust border controls and intelligence sharing.
• No land corridor from South America (Darién Gap blocks overland movement).
• Proactive policing targeting gang recruitment and extortion.

Isolated MS-13 members or cells have been detected, but the gang has not established the territorial control or social penetration seen in neighboring countries. Costa Rica remains one of Central America's safest nations.