Peru Braces for Influx of Migrants Fleeing Chile's Presidential Election
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Peru's government has declared a state of emergency at the country's southern border with Chile, anticipating a surge of migrants trying to escape the potential presidency of far-right candidate Jose Antonio Kast. The decree, which will remain in effect for 60 days, aims to strengthen border control and address crime and violence in the Tacna region. The move comes as Kast faces off against left-wing candidate Jeannette Jara in Chile's December 14 presidential run-off election. Kast has vowed to expel undocumented migrants if he wins, citing a surge in violent crime over the past decade. As a result, hundreds of migrants are reportedly fleeing Chile, fearing they will be forced out if Kast takes office. Peru's President Jose Jeri had warned earlier this week that a state of emergency would be declared to address the situation. The Peruvian National Police will maintain control of internal order, with support from the Armed Forces. The decision has been met with criticism from Peru's Foreign Minister, who stated that the country will not accept any more undocumented migrants. The situation has sparked concerns among human rights groups and migrant communities, who fear that Kast's policies will lead to a humanitarian crisis. The issue is set to be addressed through a binational migration cooperation committee, which will begin next week. The influx of migrants from Chile is a reversal of the usual trend, with Peru typically being a source of, and transit for, migrants fleeing other parts of Latin America to Chile. As the presidential election in Chile approaches, the situation remains uncertain, with hundreds of migrants caught in the middle.
