The Chilean government presented two bills that expand the state's ability to detain migrants with expulsion orders and punish those who facilitate their movement within the country
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The government of Chile took a new step in its immigration control agenda by introducing two bills aimed at tightening measures against irregular immigration
The announcement was made by President José Antonio Kast during a visit to the Chacalluta border complex in Arica, where he also supervised the progress of the so-calledBorder Shield Plan, which includes trenches, surveillance infrastructure, and enhanced controls at the northern border.
The first initiative proposes to amend the Constitution to extend the period during which authorities can detain migrants who already have a deportation order from five to sixty days. As Kast explained, the current system makes it difficult to carry out deportations because often the deadline expires before completing the necessary procedures, forcing the release of the individuals involved.
Illegal immigrants being returned to their countries by the Chilean Air Force
The president argued that irregular immigration has put pressure on public services such as health, education, housing, and security, which is why he believes it is necessary to provide the State with greater tools to effectively carry out pending expulsions.
The second proposal consists of a reform to the Penal Code to penalize so-called “burreros,” that is, individuals who transport or facilitate the movement of irregular migrants within the national territory. The government seeks to classify this conduct as a crime and establish aggravating penalties for those involved in these networks.
From La Moneda, they maintain that organizations linked to human trafficking tend to quickly adapt to border controls, which is why they consider it necessary to also target the logistical structures that allow the clandestine movement of people throughout the country.
José Antonio Kast with Donald Trump
These initiatives are in addition to other measures promoted during the first months of the Kast administration, including the Return Plan for irregular migrants and the increase in administrative and judicial expulsions. According to official data released weeks ago, thousands of foreigners have already left the country voluntarily or through deportation procedures.
With these new projects, the Executive aims to consolidate one of Kast's main campaign promises: to strengthen border control, reduce irregular immigration, and restore the State's capacity to execute pending deportation orders.
