Chilean migrants stuck at Peru border as election approaches: officials

Authorities reported on Friday that dozens of migrants attempting to leave Chile are stranded at the border with Peru. Their departure comes amid fears of expulsion if far-right presidential candidate Jose Antonio Kast wins the December 14 elections.

A video shared by the governor of Chile's Arica region, located about 2,200 kilometers (1,370 miles) north of Santiago, depicted numerous people trying to cross at the Chacalluta-Santa Rosa border checkpoint. A Venezuelan migrant told The Clinic that the group was leaving Chile "out of fear of forced removal" should Kast assume the presidency. The migrant, who chose to remain anonymous, added, "They don't want to let us into Peru."

Peruvian media outlet Radio Tacna showed footage of migrants, including children, walking along the highway near the border. Chilean Security Minister Luis Cordero said there has been a concentration of migrants facing difficulties entering Peru, without providing exact numbers.

Peru serves both as a source and a transit country for people fleeing poverty or violence in other parts of Latin America, heading toward Chile, one of the regions most stable and prosperous nations. This reverse migration occurs just weeks before the presidential runoff between Kast and left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara.

Migrants now appear caught in a difficult situation. On Friday, Peru's interim president announced plans on X to declare a state of emergency along the Chilean border to limit the influx.

Kast, a 59-year-old ultraconservative and former MP running for president for the third time, has issued an ultimatum to the countrys roughly 330,000 undocumented migrants: either self-deport or face forced removal and loss of all possessions if he assumes office. He attributes rising violent crime over the past decade to illegal migration.

In a video posted on social media Friday, Kast stated, "To undocumented immigrants in Chile, I say you have 103 days left to leave our country voluntarily," referring to March 11, the date when the next president will be inaugurated following outgoing center-left President Gabriel Boric.

Analysis: Migrants Caught in Limbo at Chile-Peru Border Amid Election Fears

The current situation at the Chile-Peru border highlights the growing tensions in the region as migrants face uncertainty about their future. The recent exodus of migrants from Chile, sparked by fears of expulsion should far-right presidential candidate José Antonio Kast win the upcoming elections, has left many stranded at the border. These migrants, primarily from Venezuela, are attempting to leave Chile to avoid potential forced deportations that Kast has threatened if he assumes office.

As elections near, Kast's hardline stance on immigration has triggered widespread concern. His promise to expel undocumented migrants if elected has created a sense of urgency among migrant communities, pushing many to flee the country before his presidency begins. The fear of deportation is palpable, with several migrants expressing their desire to leave Chile to avoid what they believe could be imminent forced removals.

Meanwhile, Peru, traditionally a destination for migrants seeking better opportunities, has made efforts to limit the influx. Peru’s decision to declare a state of emergency at the border reflects the challenges both countries face in managing migration flows. The difficulties faced by migrants in crossing into Peru, coupled with the lack of clear guidance, have placed many in a precarious position, uncertain about their immediate future.

This situation underscores the broader issue of regional migration in Latin America, where instability and economic hardship continue to drive people across borders. As the election draws closer, it remains to be seen how the political climate in Chile and Peru will evolve, and whether a more humane and coordinated approach to migration will emerge in the face of rising tensions.

Sources:

• Migrants fleeing Chile ahead of election stranded at Peru border: officials