INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Thousands of Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica, including exiles, traveled home for the holidays.They faced new migration laws that
threatened fines and imprisonment for irregular border crossings
The border areas bustled with activity as people returned to Costa Rica after the festivities.Bus tickets were scarce, reflecting the deep
connection between the two countries
Costa Rica has long been a refuge for Nicaraguans fleeing poverty and political unrest.Since 2018, over 200,000 Nicaraguan exiles have
sought safety in Costa Rica
The Ortega-Murillo regime has tightened control over border crossings
imposing harsh penalties on irregular border crossings
(Photo Internet reproduction)The law targets those accused of undermining national integrity or conspiring against the state
Despite these risks, many Nicaraguans chose to reunite with their families for the holidays.Resilience and StruggleThey used informal paths
and relied on smugglers to evade military checkpoints
This mass movement demonstrated the resilience of family bonds in the face of political oppression.One exile who returned after three years
described the atmosphere of fear at the border
She noted that even those not involved in politics felt anxious about crossing
The desire to see loved ones outweighed the risks for many travelers.The situation highlights the ongoing struggle for freedom in Nicaragua
The Ortega-Murillo regime continues to consolidate power, recently passing constitutional reforms to ensure their continued rule
These actions have further eroded democratic institutions in the country.As Nicaraguans navigate these challenging circumstances, their
determination to maintain family ties remains strong
