Undocumented migrants in Chile seek refuge to avoid far-right victory

Along the arid border between Chile and Peru, numerous undocumented migrants endure the scorching sun as they search for a way out of Chile. With the presidential run-off election set for December 14, far-right contender Jose Antonio Kast leads the polls against leftist Jeannette Jara. Kast has promised to expel hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants, prompting people from Venezuela and other Latin American nations to look for safer destinations before the anticipated crackdown.

"Kast said he would remove foreigners who have not been regularized," said Milbayajaira Rivas, a 56-year-old nurse from Venezuela.

Peru is a potential refuge, but the Peruvian government recently declared a state of emergency along its border with Chile, deploying military forces to prevent crossings. Peru's Foreign Minister, Hugo de Zela, confirmed that the country will not accept additional irregular migrants.

At the Chilean border, Peruvian officers provide water to migrants suffering in the desert heat but deny them entry. "Peru doesn't want any more Venezuelans," Rivas said. "We don't know what we're going to do."

This is not Peru's first military response to the migrant influx. In April 2023, a two-month state of emergency was declared as undocumented migrants, primarily Venezuelans, crossed into Chile in large numbers.

Diego Paco, governor of Chile's Arica region, expressed concern for migrants stranded in the desert. "Among these 100 people, there are children. Some could fall ill from the cold nights," he told AFP.

The population of undocumented migrants in Chile has surged dramatically, rising from about 10,000 in 2018 to roughly 330,000 by 2024, according to the National Migration Service. Most are from Venezuela. These migrants can access healthcare and enroll their children in public schools, but some Chileans attribute the increase to rising crime, even though Chile remains among the safest countries in the region.

"I understand that some criminals have come from my country, but so have people who just want to work," said Billy Gonzalez, a 48-year-old Venezuelan optical technician. He criticized Kast's deportation threats: "At least provide a bus, let everyone pay their own fare, and take us to Ecuador so we can continue to Venezuela."

Context and Analysis: The Migrant Crisis on Chile’s Border

The migration crisis between Chile and Peru is not simply a matter of geography but reflects larger regional issues. With the rise of far-right political figures like José Antonio Kast, who leads in the Chilean presidential race, the pressure on neighboring countries, particularly Peru, is mounting. Kast's harsh stance on immigration has contributed to a sense of urgency among migrants who fear deportation, particularly Venezuelans, who have sought refuge in Chile due to the collapse of their home country. Peru's recent state of emergency at the border shows the growing strain on South American nations grappling with irregular migration flows.

While the political climate in Chile intensifies ahead of the December 14 runoff, the human consequences of these policies are already visible on the ground. Migrants, including families with children, are stranded in a hostile desert environment, caught between two countries that are unwilling to offer sanctuary. Peru's refusal to accept additional migrants, despite humanitarian gestures like providing water, reflects the broader regional unwillingness to take on more responsibility in managing migration flows. This situation is indicative of the broader challenges facing Latin America in terms of migration policy and cooperation.

Looking at the bigger picture, the situation highlights the complexities of migration management in a region facing economic difficulties and political volatility. While the Chilean government has allowed access to healthcare and education for migrants, the rising numbers of undocumented individuals and concerns over crime have fueled political rhetoric that demands action. However, the broader issue remains: without regional collaboration and sustainable migration policies, the human cost will continue to rise, and no country can manage this burden alone.

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• Fearing far-right victory in Chile, undocumented migrants seek escape