Migrant Pressure Rises: Peru Announces State of Emergency at Chile Border

LIMA — Peru declared a 60-day state of emergency along its southern border with Chile on Friday, deploying military reinforcements to contain an anticipated surge of migrants seeking to exit Chile ahead of its presidential runoff election.

The emergency measure, which will remain in effect through mid-December, authorizes the Peruvian armed forces to support police in controlling the border region of Tacna. The move comes as dozens of migrants—many carrying children and belongings—have gathered at the Chacalluta-Santa Rosa crossing in recent days.

The exodus follows warnings from far-right Chilean presidential candidate José Antonio Kast, who has vowed to deport undocumented migrants if elected. In a social media statement on Friday, Kast declared, “To undocumented immigrants in Chile, I say you have 103 days left to leave our country voluntarily,” referencing March 11, when the next president will be inaugurated.

A Venezuelan migrant at the border, who asked not to be named, told Chilean outlet The Clinic that people were leaving Chile “for fear that they remove us by force” under a potential Kast administration.

Peruvian President José Jeri confirmed the state of emergency would also address rising crime and violence in the border zone. The decree formalizes military involvement in border control while keeping police in charge of internal security.

Peru’s Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela emphasized that the country will not accept irregular migration. “We do not have the conditions or capacity to receive more migrants,” he stated, announcing the formation of a binational migration committee with Chile to address the situation.

Peru has itself received over 1.5 million Venezuelan migrants since 2015, and now serves as both a source and transit country for people moving within South America. The current reversal of migration flows highlights how political shifts in one nation can trigger immediate regional consequences.

With Chile’ December 14 runoff between Kast and left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara approaching, border communities remain braced for further uncertainty.

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