Peru Declares State of Emergency and Deploys Army to Border to Stop Migrants

Amir Hagag

The Peruvian government has declared a state of emergency along its southern border with Chile and announced the deployment of the armed forces to reinforce customs and security controls in response to a potential influx of undocumented migrants, as well as to combat crime, according to the Spanish newspaper La Vanguardia.

The newspaper indicated that the measures will remain in effect for 60 days in the areas of Palca, Tacna, and La Yarrada-Los Palos in the southern province of Tacna, in anticipation of the arrival of dozens of migrants seeking to leave Chile following threats made by far-right candidate José Antonio Castro, who promised to deport undocumented migrants.

The Peruvian Foreign Ministry stated that it is monitoring the escalating migrant crisis at the southern border, where dozens of migrants are attempting to enter Peru.

Interim President José Jerzy convened a cabinet meeting to declare the state of emergency, which authorizes the armed forces to intervene to monitor and protect the border.

Local media reported that dozens of undocumented migrants arrived at the border on foot, but police prevented them from entering, leading to the closure of a section of the Pan-American Highway and a buildup of trucks and buses on both sides of the border.

Some of the migrants told Canal N that they wanted to return to their countries of origin after facing pressure due to stricter policies in Chile.

The interim president asserted that the insecurity in Peru is partly due to lax border control, indicating that he would request the support of the armed forces in the border regions with Chile.