President José Antonio Kast ordered the deployment of heavy machinery and military personnel on Chile’s northern border to begin the construction of physical barriers aimed at reinforcing migration control. The measure is part of a set of decrees signed by the president within the framework of his security policy aimed at stopping the irregular entry of people into the country. The first actions are concentrated in the border area between the cities of Arica and Tacna, near the Chacalluta border complex. The presence of backhoes, front-end loaders, and dump trucks has been reported at the site, which will be used to carry out the first infrastructure works. Also, according to reports from Latina Noticias, José Antonio Kast is expected to arrive this Monday in the city of Arica to begin work in the border area. According to the information released, the works include the excavation of trenches up to three meters deep and the installation of other physical barriers. However, it has not yet been specified whether the heavy machinery will operate directly on the border line between Peru and Chile or in sectors near the border.
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Border Shield Plan
The measure by the Chilean Government is part of the so-called Border Shield Plan, an initiative aimed at strengthening territorial control on the northern border. The plan includes the construction of infrastructure to maintain surveillance in sectors identified as frequent routes for irregular entry. According to information released by Chilean authorities, the works will be carried out by the Ministry of Public Works in coordination with the Military Corps of Work of the Army. “Specifically, the initiative contemplates the construction of ditches, walls, perimeter fences and watchtowers, as well as the creation of detention centers for illegal immigrants. The works will have as their epicenter the critical border crossings of Colchane (border with Bolivia) and Chacalluta (border with Peru) and will begin in the coming days,” said the Chilean president, as reported by a publication of T13 from Chile.Military Reinforcement and Surveillance
As part of the border reinforcement plan, the Executive ordered to expand the deployment of the Armed Forces in the northern zone of the country. The Chilean government informed that at least 3,000 uniformed personnel will be permanently assigned to surveillance, territorial control, and support in the elimination of unauthorized crossings at the most sensitive points of the border. In addition to the increase in military personnel, the strategy includes the incorporation of technology for territory monitoring. Among the announced resources are drones, thermal cameras, motion sensors, and biometric identification systems, tools designed to detect and prevent the irregular crossing of people on the northern border.Border Closure Policy
The set of measures is part of a border closure policy promoted by the Kast government, and which responds to one of its main promises during his presidential campaign. This strategy will be applied mainly in the regions of Arica and Parinacota, Tarapacá and Antofagasta, areas where the authorities have identified a greater irregular migratory flow.You can also read: Abinader meets with Dominicans in Chile and highlights opportunities that open up due to good relations with Kast
