Peru Declares State of Emergency at Chile Border Amid Migrant Surge Fears

The government of Peru has declared a state of emergency along its southern border with Chile in response to a rapidly increasing influx of migrants fleeing political uncertainty and possible immigration crackdowns in Chile. The move, announced on November 28, 2025, signals a major tightening of border control and a shift toward militarised enforcement in an already volatile migration situation. 

The decision came as hundreds of migrants many reportedly Venezuelan gathered at border crossings near the Chilean city of Arica, attempting to cross into Peru after rising fears that a far-right candidate's possible victory in Chile’s upcoming December 14 presidential runoff would lead to harsh immigration policies. The candidate, José Antonio Kast, has promised to expel undocumented migrants, prompting a surge of people leaving Chile. 

Peru’s president, José Jerí, warned that the irregular entry of migrants could threaten public safety. He said the state of emergency is aimed at restoring order, preventing unauthorised border crossings, and responding to what he described as a potential “massive flow” of migrants. 

Under the decree, the southern border region  particularly the Tacna area will see:

Deployment of the military alongside national police to enforce border control and internal security. 

Strengthened identity checks and restrictions on unauthorised migration, with the government warning that it will not allow irregular entries. 

A 60-day period of enhanced surveillance and enforcement, crossing the date of Chile’s election runoff to manage potential waves of migration. 

Additional measures aimed at addressing crime and “situations of violence” that the government says may accompany increased migrant movements. 

South China Morning Post

While Peruvian authorities argue the move is necessary to maintain public order, the declaration has drawn concerns from migration and human-rights organisations. Critics argue that such blanket measures risk violating migrants’ rights, especially since many are fleeing economic hardship or instability not violence in Chile.

International observers say that declaring a state of emergency solely to stem migration inflow may not meet the threshold for exceptional threats typically required under international human-rights law. They warn that the measure could lead to stigmatisation, discrimination, and excessive force, particularly against vulnerable migrant families. 

Amnesty International

Humanitarian groups are urging Peru to provide safe and legal alternatives, ensure proper asylum processes, and avoid policies that criminalise or marginalise migrants. The situation also highlights a broader regional migration crisis, driven by political shifts, economic pressures, and tightening immigration policies in parts of Latin America.

The crackdown at the Peru Chile border underscores growing migration pressures across Latin America. As countries tighten immigration laws and political rhetoric around migrants hardens, neighbouring nations  like Peru face the challenge of managing humanitarian realities while responding to domestic political concerns.

With rising numbers of migrants, many from Venezuela and other crisis-affected countries, entering the region, South America is approaching a potential flashpoint, where coordinated regional cooperation will be crucial.

For now, Peru’s emergency decree reflects a high-stakes attempt to stem irregular migration  but also raises urgent questions about human rights, migrant protection, and the humanitarian consequences of security-driven border policies.