Peru is set to declare a border emergency as migrants accumulate following a warning of deportation from Chile
Peru is implementing emergency measures as migrants seek to enter the country in response to a promise made by a Chilean frontrunner to expel undocumented foreigners.
President José Jerí announced on Friday that Peru will declare a state of emergency along its border with Chile, as migrants seek to enter the country after a pledge by a leading Chilean presidential candidate to expel undocumented foreigners.
Jerí stated on X that the measure “will create a sense of calm regarding the risk of unauthorized migrants entering.”
General Arturo Valverde of the Peruvian police informed local broadcaster Canal N that there are currently at least 100 foreigners, predominantly Venezuelans, assembled at the border in search of entry. He stated that surveillance efforts had been heightened in anticipation of the formal declaration.
Tensions heightened as José Antonio Kast, the far-right candidate currently leading the polls for next month’s presidential runoff against leftist contender Jeannette Jara, issued a warning that undocumented migrants would be compelled to leave Chile in the upcoming months should he emerge victorious.
“Should you choose not to depart voluntarily, we will proceed to detain you, retain you, and expel you, and you will leave with only what you are currently wearing,” Kast stated in a video message captured at the border.
Peru’s announcement arrives as worries grow throughout the region regarding changing migration patterns and the likelihood of heightened demands on border security.
