Peru to declare state of emergency to block Chile border crossings

Jose Jeri, president of Peru, declared a state of emergency on the border with Chile on social media, raising questions about a humanitarian crisis.

Just two weeks before a run-off in Chile will be held, Jeri’s statement on Friday comes just before it.

In the event that he defeats leftist Jeannette Jara on December 14, the leader of far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast will face off against Jara. He has pledged to detain and expel immigrants who are without documentation from Chile.

In response to the campaign pledges, Venezuelans who have long sought opportunity in Chile despite domestic economic difficulties have increased.

Jeri is a far-right figurehead for himself. He took Dina Boluarte’s place in October as Peru’s Congress’s head in the absence of her impeached predecessor.

In a brief post on the social media platform X, he confirmed media speculation about the state of emergency.

To prevent migrants from entering without authorization, Jeri wrote, “We ARE going to declare a state of emergency at the border with Chile.”

He added that Peru’s estimated 34 million people could be harmed by the influx due to “the public safety of the country.”

According to Peruvian police general Arturo Valverde, at least 100 people were attempting to enter the country on Friday, according to local news agency Canal N.

Images of families attempting to cross the border from Chile have been broadcast for days in Peruvian media.

Before the country’s December 14 election, Kast issued a campaign video warning undocumented people to leave the country shortly after.

The right-wing leader in charge of Chile, Gabriel Boric, is currently only allowed to run for president for four years at once under the terms of office.

On March 11, 2026, the new president will formally sworn in. Going into the December election, Kast is regarded as the front-runner.

In his campaign video, Kast stated, “You have 111 days to leave Chile voluntarily.

“We will detain you, detain you, and expel you if not.” You’ll leave with only your belongings on your back.

Jeri, the president of Peru, also made a statement earlier this week that he would send troops to the area’s border.

In Chile, it is estimated that there are 330 000 undocumented people. How many people had recently entered Peru was unknown at the time.

The Chilean minister of security, Luis Cordero, criticized Kast’s campaign tactics, saying that “rhetoric occasionally has consequences.”

He argued that “people cannot be used to stir up controversy during elections.”