Chile declares state of emergency in the north due to migration crisis

 

The President of Chile, Sebastian Pinera, on Wednesday, declared a constitutional state of emergency in four northern provinces of the country because of the migratory crisis.

The president granted special powers to the Armed Forces to control irregular migration along the border. The measure will last 15 days with the possibility of a two-week renewal. The measure includes the deployment of 672 military personnel and 100 police officers to guard Chile`s northern border with Bolivia and Peru.

The president explained in a press statement that the police and military will conduct patrols and checks in the four northern provinces. It will also establish new observation posts and deploy drones to these provinces. The police and military will also utilise helicopters for surveillance and transfer, along with night vision cameras, thermal cameras, and satellite communication equipment.

Reportedly, Chile is facing a migratory and security crisis, mainly in the northern provinces of the country, Arica, Parinacota, Tamarugal and El Loa. The government of Chile confirmed the news of the migratory crisis. Reportedly, there is an increase in the flow of migrants through unauthorised crossings in the South American country.

Reportedly, dozens of people are stranded in border towns currently. They are waiting for an official resolution after entering Chile through unauthorised crossings.

Chile recently introduced a migration law that seeks to "order the migratory flow" in the country. The president said that he had talks with the neighbouring countries of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru to resolve the migratory crisis.

Reportedly, the new regulation will return people who enter Chile irregularly to the border immediately, without a prior trial. Chile closed its land borders in 2020 as a preventive measure during the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the authorities reported a surge in irregular crossings. The local authorities struggled to accommodate the migrants.