Peru: Police deployed at Tacna border following road blockade by migrants

12:30 | Tacna (Tacna region), Nov. 28.

Around a hundred foreign citizens of various nationalities blocked the Peru–Chile border on Friday morning, preventing vehicle traffic on the road connecting both countries, which required the deployment of personnel from the Peruvian National Police (PNP) and Chilean Carabineros.

The foreigners placed large stones on the road to block vehicle traffic, as a form of protest for being unable to cross the border and enter Peru, since they do not have the necessary documentation for legal entry into our country.

An hour and a half after the road was blocked, police managed to clear the road for vehicle traffic.

However, this was only temporary, as the route was once again occupied by migrants, including children, women, and senior citizens.

Tacna's Ombudsman Office Chief Edward Vargas arrived at the scene. The official emphasized the importance of setting up an intersectoral committee to address this issue.

"This situation could affect the city of Tacna, even though most use Peru only as a transit route to reach their countries of origin," Vargas expressed.

Border emergency

Meanwhile, the Tacna Region Government issued a formal letter to the President of the Republic, Jose Jeri, requesting the declaration of a state of emergency in the border area of Tacna and Tarata provinces.

"I reiterate the urgency of declaring a state of emergency on the border of Tacna and Tarata provinces due to the growing migration problems; this measure is essential to address the situation, as well as to ensure the stability and security of our population," the document stated.

The letter also requested that police presence be reinforced and that the Peruvian Army, properly equipped, provide support to strengthen territorial control and prevent the entry of undocumented migrants, as well as to stop road blockades that could affect economic activities in Tacna region.

Elections in Chile

The mass departure of migrants from Chile has increased over recent days due to fears of being expelled if candidate Jose Antonio Kast wins the presidential election.

Kast has stated that, if elected, there will be mass expulsions of people with irregular immigration status.

The Chilean presidential runoff election will be held on December 14 this year.

The promise made by the Republican Party candidate has triggered the departure of migrants who attempt to enter Peru to continue their journey to their countries of origin, mainly Venezuela and Colombia.