Chile’s border wall fails to halt migration as migrant hardship grows in Peru
The far-right leader’s Trump-inspired infrastructure project has not stopped crossing attempts, though it has complicated life for those waiting on the Peruvian side of the border.
Chile’s new far-right President, José Antonio Kast, has implemented stringent border controls inspired by United States policies, specifically the construction of a border wall with Peru. Shortly after assuming office, Kast pledged to expel over 300,000 undocumented migrants. Two months into his presidency, the anticipated mass departures have not materialised, and the border wall has not prevented migrants from attempting to cross. However, the measures have significantly complicated living conditions for migrants in Tacna, Peru, which is the final Peruvian city before the Chilean border.
The construction of the border wall, modelled on US President Donald Trump’s wall, does not seem to be stopping migrants from attempting to cross into Chile. Despite the physical barrier, the flow of people attempting to enter Chile continues, contradicting the immediate efficacy of the infrastructure project. The administration’s initial promise of large-scale expulsions has not yet translated into the mass departures that many predicted upon Kast’s election.
In Tacna, the last Peruvian city before the Chilean border, life is becoming increasingly difficult for migrants. The presence of the border controls and the ongoing construction have created a more hostile environment for those waiting to cross. While the specific nature of these difficulties is not detailed in the initial reports, the general consensus is that the situation for migrants has worsened since the implementation of Kast’s policies.
The situation in Tacna highlights the broader impact of Chile’s new border strategy. The city serves as a critical transit point for migrants attempting to reach Chile, and the changes in policy have had a tangible effect on their daily lives. The failure of the border wall to stop crossing attempts, combined with the deteriorating conditions in Tacna, suggests that the current approach may be more focused on deterrence and disruption than on achieving the stated goal of mass expulsions.
FRANCE 24 reported on these developments on 26/05/2026, noting the contrast between the administration’s promises and the on-the-ground reality. The report, featuring reporters Martin Chabal, Agathe Fourcade, and Wassim Cornet, underscores the complexity of the situation. While the border wall stands as a symbol of the new administration’s hardline stance, its practical impact on migration flows remains limited, with the human cost largely borne by migrants in border cities like Tacna.
The ongoing situation in Tacna and the broader border region will likely remain a focal point of political and humanitarian debate. As Kast’s presidency continues, the effectiveness of his border controls and the welfare of migrants will be closely watched. The current trajectory suggests that while the administration has made significant symbolic and infrastructural changes, the core objective of reducing undocumented migration through mass expulsions has not yet been achieved.
The international community and neighbouring countries, particularly Peru, will likely monitor the situation closely. The impact of Chile’s policies on regional migration patterns and diplomatic relations remains to be seen. For now, the migrants in Tacna continue to face increasing challenges, caught in the crossfire of political promises and border enforcement measures.
