Peru to announce state of emergency to prevent border crossings from Chile

Peruvian President Jose Jeri has confirmed on social media that a state of emergency will be imposed on the border with Chile, raising alarms over a potential humanitarian crisis. The announcement on Friday comes just over two weeks before Chiles presidential run-off.

In the upcoming Chilean election on December 14, far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast will face leftist Jeannette Jara. Kast has pledged to detain and deport undocumented migrants in Chile if he wins, prompting a surge of crossings into Peru, primarily by Venezuelans seeking better opportunities amid domestic economic struggles.

Jeri, a far-right politician and former head of Perus Congress, assumed the presidency in October following the impeachment of Dina Boluarte. In a brief post on social media platform X, he stated: "We ARE going to declare a state of emergency at the border with Chile to generate tranquility before the risk of migrants entering without authorisation." He added that the influx could "threaten the public safety" of Perus 34 million residents.

On Friday, at least 100 people were reported at the border attempting to enter Peru, according to Peruvian police General Arturo Valverde, speaking to Canal N. Peruvian media have shown families arriving at the border from Chile over the past several days.

The announcement follows a campaign video by Kast at the border, warning undocumented individuals to leave Chile before the December 14 vote. Chilean President Gabriel Boric is limited to a single consecutive four-year term, although non-consecutive terms are permitted. The incoming president will take office on March 11, 2026. Kast is seen as the frontrunner and emphasized in his video: "You have 111 days to leave Chile voluntarily. If not, we will stop you, we will detain you, we will expel you. You will leave with only the clothes on your back."

Earlier this week, Jeri visited the border and announced a troop surge to manage the situation. An estimated 330,000 undocumented people reside in Chile, though the number who have recently crossed into Peru is not yet known.

Chilean Minister of Security Luis Cordero criticized Kasts campaign rhetoric, warning that "rhetoric sometimes has consequences." He added, "People cannot be used as a means to create controversy for the elections. Our main purpose is to prevent a humanitarian crisis."

Author: Sophia Brooks