The U.S. State Department has allocated up to $7.85 million to assist Costa Rican authorities in deporting migrants without legal status, under an arrangement mirroring a previous agreement with Panama.

The funds, drawn from the State Department’s economic support fund, will be transferred to the Department of Homeland Security and will finance technical advice, training, logistical operations and deportation flights.

The measure is intended to curb irregular migration by strengthening Costa Rica’s capacity to remove individuals deemed ineligible for asylum, though critics warn it may limit access to legal protections.

As of now there is no designated schedule or destination for the deportations.