Peru will declare a state of emergency and block border crossings with Chile

Peruvian President Jose Boluarte announced on social media that he would declare a state of emergency in the border areas between Peru and Chile, which has raised concerns about a humanitarian crisis.

Boluarte's statement came just over two weeks before the second round of Chilean presidential elections.

The far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast will face left-wing candidate Jeanette Vega on December 14. He has promised to detain and deport undocumented immigrants in Chile if elected.

Campaign promises have led to an increase in the number of people heading to Peru, most of whom are Venezuelans who have long sought opportunities in Chile amid domestic economic difficulties.

Boluarte himself is also a far-right leader. He previously served as the president of the Peruvian Congress and took over from the impeached predecessor Dina Boluarte in October.

He posted a short message on the social media platform X, confirming media speculation about the country entering a state of emergency.

Boluarte wrote, "We will declare a state of emergency at the border between Peru and Chile to maintain social stability before the risk of illegal immigration arises."

He also added that this wave of migration could "threaten" the public safety of Peru's population of about 34 million.

Peruvian police chief Arturo Valverde told local television channel Canal N that at least 100 people attempted to cross the border into Peru on Friday.

Peruvian media has been broadcasting images of families trying to cross the border from Chile into Peru for days.

Shortly before, candidate Kast filmed a campaign video at the border, warning undocumented immigrants to leave before the country's presidential election on December 14.

Incumbent left-wing Chilean President Gabriel Boric is legally allowed to serve only one term, four years, but non-consecutive re-elections are permitted.

The new president will be sworn in on March 11, 2026. Kast is considered the frontrunner in the December vote.

In his campaign video, Kast said, "You have 111 days to voluntarily leave Chile," referring to the inauguration.

"Otherwise, we will stop you, detain you, and deport you. You will leave with nothing."

Earlier this week, Peruvian President Boluarte also visited the border area and announced that troops would be deployed to the region.

It is estimated that there are about 330,000 undocumented immigrants in Chile. It is currently unclear how many have crossed into Peru recently.

Chile's interior minister Luis Cubillos criticized Kast's campaign strategy, telling reporters, "Words sometimes have consequences."

"You cannot use the people to create election disputes."

"Our main goal is to prevent a humanitarian crisis."

Sources: Al Jazeera

Original: www.toutiao.com/article/1850098191693952/

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