A senior agent from the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has been found dead in Costa Rica, in an incident that has sparked an international investigation. The victim was identified as Randall Gamboa Esquivel, a 47-year-old diplomat and special agent.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Randall Gamboa Esquivel's body was discovered on Saturday, 10 January 2026, in the Pavas district of San José, the capital of Costa Rica. He was stationed in the country as part of his duties with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), the investigative arm of ICE. Local authorities confirmed he died from a gunshot wound to the head.
The circumstances leading to his death remain under active investigation by both Costa Rican judicial authorities and the US government. Gamboa Esquivel, who held a diplomatic passport, was a seasoned agent with significant experience. He had previously served in challenging postings, including a stint at the US embassy in Kabul, Afghanistan.
International Response and Investigation
The US State Department confirmed the tragic death of one of its personnel in Costa Rica, offering condolences to the agent's family and colleagues. A spokesperson stated that they are closely monitoring the local investigation and are prepared to provide all appropriate consular support.
In Costa Rica, the Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ) is leading the probe. Forensic experts and detectives were deployed to the scene in Pavas to gather evidence. While details are scarce, the nature of the killing has raised serious questions. The OIJ has not yet publicly identified any suspects or a definitive motive.
A Career in Law Enforcement Cut Short
Randall Gamboa Esquivel's career was dedicated to federal law enforcement. His role with HSI in Costa Rica likely involved complex cross-border investigations into crimes such as drug trafficking, human smuggling, and cybercrime. The death of a US diplomatic agent on foreign soil is a rare and serious event, underscoring the inherent risks faced by personnel working in international liaison roles.
The incident has cast a pall over the US diplomatic mission in Costa Rica and the broader ICE community. As tributes pour in from colleagues, the focus remains on uncovering the truth behind the attack. The collaboration between US and Costa Rican investigators will be crucial in piecing together the agent's final movements and identifying those responsible for his death.
