Peru has declared a 60-day state of emergency in three districts bordering chile, a move prompted by a surge in irregular migration and associated criminal activity. The decree, announced late Friday, authorizes the deployment of troops and increased security measures as both countries struggle with escalating tensions along their shared border.The situation is further complex by an upcoming presidential runoff election in Chile, where immigration has become a key campaign issue.
Peru has declared a state of emergency in three districts bordering Chile, deploying military personnel to address a surge in irregular migration and related criminal activity. The move comes as both countries grapple with increasing tensions over border security and the handling of migrants.
The Peruvian government announced the 60-day state of emergency late Friday for the districts of Palca, Tacna, and La Yarada–Los Palos, all located in the Tacna region. The decree aims to curb the flow of undocumented migrants and combat associated crimes, including human trafficking and smuggling.
Interim President José Jerí stated that the measure, which will include the deployment of troops, is a response to a growing insecurity crisis and the increasing number of migrants attempting to cross the border. “Today, before midnight, the state of emergency in Tacna will be approved, published and in effect to reinforce security on our borders,” Jerí announced on X, formerly known as Twitter. “This will be the first of our borders to be declared in an emergency due to irregular migration and citizen security.”
The decree authorizes restrictions on freedom of movement and assembly, and empowers police and the armed forces to increase territorial control and conduct operations in the area. Authorities will be able to carry out identity checks, search homes and border routes, and coordinate expulsions, all while adhering to international law, according to the government.
Increased Security Measures
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The state of emergency establishes permanent patrols, the closure and armed surveillance of unauthorized border crossings, drone monitoring, and coordinated actions to identify and detain those entering the country illegally. A special command and several intelligence and oversight committees will be created to lead operations against criminal networks and illegal markets linked to irregular migration.
Prior to the official announcement, authorities had already begun tightening controls in some areas, particularly along the border with northern Chile, where tensions escalated Friday. This prompted the Chilean government to intensify diplomatic discussions to prevent a potential “humanitarian crisis,” officials said.
Arturo Valverde, the police chief of the Peruvian city of Tacna, reported that regional and police authorities had met to discuss the increasing number of irregular migrants attempting to cross into Peru.
“We are reinforcing patrols, with additional police officers deployed in mobile units, and the ten border posts along the 169-kilometer border with Chile are being strengthened in anticipation of the state of emergency,” Valverde said.
Regional Concerns and Diplomatic Efforts
The increased security measures have led to a concentration of migrants seeking to leave Peru, some of whom have faced difficulties crossing into Chile. Chilean Minister of Public Security Luis Cordero explained that in recent hours, “a concentration of migrant people who wish to leave the country has occurred and they have had difficulties entering Peru.”
“Regarding the events that are currently occurring, that conversation remains active between both foreign ministries,” Cordero added.
The situation unfolds against a backdrop of political uncertainty in Chile, which is preparing for a presidential runoff election on December 14. José Antonio Kast, a far-right candidate, has promised a hardline stance on irregular immigration, vowing to expel all undocumented individuals if elected.
“To the irregular immigrants in Chile, I tell you that you have 103 days to voluntarily leave our homeland,” Kast posted on X Friday, urging outgoing President Gabriel Boric to visit the border crossings to “take charge” of the situation.
Migrants Stranded and Protests
Since Thursday evening, border towns in northern Chile, such as the Chacalluta complex, have seen an increase in people attempting to leave the country, many of whom have been stranded due to lacking the necessary documentation to enter Peru.
Tensions rose Friday afternoon when some of those attempting to reach Peru blocked roads in protest, leading to intervention by Chilean police, known as Carabineros.
“Carabineros have attended the scene with public order control to effect dialogue and, failing that, the eviction of these people so that they do not continue to interrupt the route,” Cordero said.
The Chilean government is monitoring the situation at its borders “daily” and has assured that its institutions are prepared “for any contingency.” Chile is also maintaining “active diplomatic and management dialogue” with Peru to avoid a humanitarian crisis similar to one that occurred in May 2023, when dozens of migrants, mostly Venezuelans, were stranded for weeks on both sides of the border.
“The central purpose, just like the previous period, is to avoid a humanitarian crisis in the area,” Cordero emphasized.
Cooperation and Future Steps
Despite the concentration of people, the flow of departures in recent weeks has been “relatively normal,” according to Cordero, who added that “the only way” to address the situation “successfully” is through “cooperation between border countries.”
Chilean Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde ruled out an emergency meeting for now, but Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela announced the creation of a binational committee to address the situation, which is scheduled to be launched Monday.
“The idea is to try to solve the problems through cooperation between the two countries,” de Zela said.
Chile has become a major recipient of immigration in Latin America in recent years, particularly from Venezuela, with its migrant population growing from 0.8% in 1992 to 8.8% currently, according to the 2024 Census. Of these, 41.6% are Venezuelan. The development underscores growing regional tensions surrounding migration and border security.
The influx of migrants has become a central issue in the Chilean presidential race, with many Chileans, including the government, linking the arrival of foreigners to an increase in crime.
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