Following the blockage of over a hundred migrants at the northern border, Peru declared a state of emergency in Tacna to control irregular migration. Chile responded by deploying officials and activating diplomatic dialogue, leading to the formation of a binational migration cooperation committee. The body will meet on Monday to coordinate solutions and prevent a humanitarian crisis.
On Friday, November 28, 2025, over a hundred migrants, mostly Venezuelans, gathered near the Chacalluta border complex in the Arica y Parinacota Region, unable to enter Peru due to lacking documents like visas. This led to road interruptions and the deployment of Carabineros with public order control, as reported by Public Security Minister Luis Cordero.
Peruvian President José Jerí announced a state of emergency declaration at the Tacna border before midnight Friday, to intensify controls with Police and Armed Forces and 'generate tranquility against the risk of unauthorized migrant entry'. 'Our borders must be respected', he warned on X.
In response, Chile's government under Gabriel Boric sent Undersecretaries of Interior Víctor Ramos and Public Security Rafael Collado to the area to oversee measures ensuring regular migrant exits and public order protection, as detailed by Interior Minister Álvaro Elizalde. 'The Government of Chile will continue working diplomatically to strengthen joint efforts', he added.
The foreign ministries agreed to form a Binational Migration Cooperation Committee, led by Alberto van Klaveren and Hugo de Zela, with its first session on Monday. De Zela stressed: 'We will not allow irregular migration' and called an extraordinary Council of Ministers. Cordero activated dialogue to 'avoid a humanitarian crisis', noting migrants were stranded without water or food.
Presidential candidates like José Antonio Kast and Jeannette Jara pressured the government. Kast urged Boric to 'take personal charge', while Jara demanded an 'ordered and safe exit' through urgent coordination.
