Chile has begun constructing trenches along its northern border with Peru as part of President Jose Antonio Kast's campaign promise to curb illegal migration. The right-wing government deployed heavy machinery near the Chacalluta border post on Monday, marking the start of a broader 'Border Shield' plan that includes physical barriers and increased military presence.
Key Takeaways
Chile has started building trenches along its northern border with Peru as part of President Jose Antonio Kast's plan to control illegal migration. The 'Border Shield' project includes physical barriers and increased military presence, which human rights advocates criticize for lacking consideration of due process.
- Chile begins constructing trenches near the Chacalluta border post
- Project aims to curb illegal migration, drug trafficking, and organized crime
- Over 300,000 undocumented migrants are believed to be in Chile
- Human rights groups express concerns about due process and family unity
- Kast's government declares northern border a military zone
President Kast inspected the initial construction, which involves digging ditches and erecting fences patrolled by drones and military forces. He described the measures as essential to restoring state control over borders violated by illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and organized crime. 'We want to implement this without any delay,' Kast stated during his visit.
The project follows several executive decrees issued since Kast took office last week, tightening security along Chile's northern frontier. According to Kast, irregular crossings have brought more than 180,000 people into Chile in recent years. Over 300,000 undocumented migrants are believed to be living in the country, many fleeing political persecution and economic collapse in Venezuela.
Human rights advocates have raised concerns about the government's hardline immigration agenda. Osvaldo Llinás Quintero, director of Chile's Observatory of Migration Governance and Human Rights, emphasized that migration policies must consider due process, family unity, and international human rights treaties. Despite these concerns, Kast has framed his actions as necessary to address rising organized crime and maintain Chile's status as one of Latin America's safest countries.
Kast began his term by declaring a 'government of emergency' and issuing six executive decrees focused on border security and immigration enforcement. He appointed Alberto Soto as special presidential commissioner to oversee a stronger interagency border effort. The government has also declared the most vulnerable stretches of Chile's 1,100-kilometer northern border a military zone, giving the armed forces expanded authority there.
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