President of Costa Rica Rodrigo Chávez Robles announced a state of emergency in the country due to the increase in the number of migrants crossing Costa Rica towards the United States.

The Costa Rican president stated in remarks reported by media sources today, Wednesday, that he has instructed the Ministry of Security to take a firm stance against anyone who considers "Costa Rica's kindness a weakness," referring to recent riots by migrants passing through the country.

He also added that people are passing through Costa Rica primarily to reach the United States, explaining that these migrants are from all over the world.

Moreover, more than 84,490 people entered Costa Rica through its southern border last August, an increase of 55 percent compared to the previous month, according to the International Organization for Migration.

It is noteworthy that Costa Rica is among the countries expected to open what are called safe transit offices, a new initiative by the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden to partner with international organizations to create centers for legally applying for immigration to the United States.

Since August 28, more than 38,000 people in Colombia, Costa Rica, and Guatemala have registered to participate in the safe transit initiative, according to a White House official.