Peru's new migration restrictions lead to conflict at Chilean border

Chile and Peru Coordinate on Rising Border Migration

SANTIAGO, Chile, Dec. 1 (UPI) The foreign ministers of Chile and Peru held a virtual meeting on Monday to address the increase in irregular migration along their shared border, following a decision by Perus interim president, Jos Jer, to deploy military forces at border crossings. The rising number of migrants from Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, and Haiti seeking to leave Chile has created tension, as Peru no longer permits undocumented individuals to enter.

Chile's undersecretary of the interior, Vctor Ramos, told ADN radio that the purpose of the meeting is to reinforce border management and explore ways to redirect migrants, while emphasizing that there is no ongoing crisis between the two nations. "There is no crisis at our borders. There is border control, there is a reduction in irregular migration and we have a specific problem in the area between the Santa Rosa and Chacalluta complexes, where people remain because they cannot cross into Peru," Ramos explained.

The issue has gained attention after Chilean presidential candidate Jos Antonio Kast encouraged irregular migrants to leave voluntarily, warning they could face expulsion if he takes office in March 2026, following the Dec. 14 election. Byron Duhalde, director of the Center for Migration Studies at the University of Santiago, attributed Peru's reaction to Kasts election pledge. "The presidential candidate is leading in the polls, creating anxiety among irregular migrants, who are seeking alternative destinations or returning home," Duhalde said. "This has increased congestion at border crossings, particularly with Peru, as undocumented migrants cannot legally exit."

Ramos also noted that irregular migration into Chile surged by 700% between 2018 and 2021. Diego Paco, governor of Chile's Arica and Parinacota Region bordering Peru, warned on television that the number of stranded migrants could rise sharply from late December through March if Peru strengthens border controls or maintains military presence. He emphasized the lack of contingency planning and coordination with Peruvian authorities or neighboring countries.

Duhalde highlighted that the situation reflects a broader issue: insufficient regional coordination on managing forced migration. He cautioned that border closures often drive migrants to illegal routes controlled by criminal networks. "We need a medium- and long-term plan for human mobility in South America, because closing borders pushes people into irregular paths where organized crime thrives," he said.

In late November, President Jer declared a 60-day state of emergency in Perus Tacna region, placing the border with Chile under military control. "We are declaring a state of emergency on the border to ensure security against unauthorized migrant entries," Jer stated on X. Peru has previously implemented similar measures, including in 2023 under then-President Dina Boluarte, to maintain internal order and manage undocumented migration.

Author: Sophia Brooks