‘They threw us out like baggage’: Russian family deported from US to Costa Rica still in limbo

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 9 min read 100% complete by Justo Robles in San José, Costa RicaJanuary 26, 2026 at 02:00 PM

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long article 9 min

Nearly a year after being deported from the U.S. to Costa Rica, a Russian family remains in legal limbo. Under a Trump-era agreement, the U.S. sent approximately 200 asylum seekers from various countries, including 81 children, to Costa Rica after denying them the right to request asylum at the U.S.-Mexico border. Alexander, his wife, and son fled Russia due to political concerns and sought asylum in the U.S., but were instead flown to Costa Rica. Upon arrival, they and other deportees were detained for two months, despite Costa Rica's promise of providing a safe haven. The family is now seeking justice from Costa Rican authorities for their detention and grappling with their uncertain future. They fear returning to Russia due to political risks and potential conscription into the war in Ukraine.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Joe Biden 40% Panama 40% Guardian ×250% Alexei Navalny 50% Ukraine 50% US-Mexico border 60% Vladimir Putin 60% Alexander ×470% Russia ×370% Costa Rica ×780% United States ×580% Donald Trump ×290%

Keywords

deportation 90% asylum seekers 80% trump administration 70% costa rica 70% legal limbo 60% political asylum 50% russian family 50% human rights 50% us-mexico border 40%