Costa Rica has reportedly opened the Center for High Containment of Organised Crime (CACCO) in Alajuela, near San José. The complex can hold more than 5,000 prisoners and is expected to increase the country's detention capacity by about 40%. It was built as part of President Fernández's response to rising violence and the country's growing role as a transit route for drugs. The facility has strict conditions, including no family visits or mobile-phone calls, extensive surveillance and cells for up to 60 prisoners.

The prison was modeled partly on El Salvador's CECOT, a policy associated with President Nayib Bukele. Human-rights concerns have been raised over the lack of independent oversight, while experts have warned that mass detention can turn prisons into centres for recruiting and directing criminal gangs. They also questioned whether the model is sustainable or suitable for Costa Rica, although the reported effect of Bukele's policy has made it politically attractive in the region.