Peru will declare a state of emergency along its border with Chile, President José Jerí announced on Friday, as migrants attempt to enter the country following a pledge by a Chilean presidential frontrunner to expel undocumented foreigners.
Jerí said on X that the measure “will generate tranquility before the risk of migrants entering without authorization”.
Peruvian police General Arturo Valverde told local broadcaster Canal N that at least 100 foreigners, mostly Venezuelans, are currently gathered at the border seeking entry. He said surveillance efforts had been increased ahead of the formal declaration.
Tensions escalated after José Antonio Kast, the far-right candidate leading the polls ahead of next month’s presidential runoff against leftist contender Jeannette Jara, warned that undocumented migrants would be forced to leave Chile in the coming months if he wins.
“If you don’t leave voluntarily, we will detain you, retain you, expel you, and you’ll leave with what you have on,” Kast said in a video message recorded at the border.
The announcement by Peru comes amid rising concern across the region about shifting migration flows and the potential for increased pressure on border security.
Faridah Adulkadiri
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