Chile builds border barrier to halt surging migration and crime under Kast's hardline plan
Chile's foreign population has doubled since 2017, with over 300,000 undocumented migrants now believed to be living in the country. Many are Venezuelans escaping political turmoil and economic collapse, while others are linked to foreign criminal gangs. In response, President José Antonio Kast has launched an ambitious plan to secure the northern border with Peru.
Within days of taking office, Kast began preparations for a border barrier as part of his Border Shield initiative. The project, already underway, includes deep trenches, fences, and heavy military patrols supported by drones. A bulldozer was recently spotted digging in the Chacalluta desert, marking the start of construction.
Kast's approach mirrors policies used by his ally, former U.S. President Donald Trump, who also prioritised strict border controls during his term. The Chilean leader has invoked emergency powers to fast-track deportations of those entering illegally and to tighten security measures. By March 2026, Chilean police and the Interior Ministry had identified at least five active foreign criminal networks in the country, including Venezuela's *Tren de Aragua*. These groups operate mainly in Santiago and Arica, fuelling concerns over organised crime and drug trafficking. The barrier aims to block not only illegal migration but also the flow of narcotics and gang activity. Kast's hardline stance represents Chile's sharpest right-wing shift since its return to democracy in 1990. His government argues that stronger borders are essential to protect national security and stability.
The barrier's construction signals a major change in Chile's immigration and security policies. With drones, troops, and physical obstacles in place, authorities expect to reduce undocumented entries and disrupt criminal operations. The long-term impact on migration patterns and cross-border crime remains to be seen.
Read also:
- American teenagers taking up farming roles previously filled by immigrants, a concept revisited from 1965's labor market shift.
- Weekly affairs in the German Federal Parliament (Bundestag)
- Landslide claims seven lives, injures six individuals while they work to restore a water channel in the northern region of Pakistan
- Escalating conflict in Sudan has prompted the United Nations to announce a critical gender crisis, highlighting the disproportionate impact of the ongoing violence on women and girls.
