SANTIAGO – Chilean President Sebastian Pinera has declared a constitutional state of emergency in four northern districts, giving the Armed Forces exceptional powers to suppress illegal border crossings.
According to source, the action includes the deployment of 672 military members and 100 police officers to monitor Chile's northern border with Bolivia and Peru for 15 days with the possibility of a two-week extension. The country is experiencing a "migratory and security crisis," primarily in the provinces of Arica, Parinacota, Tamarugal, and El Loa, due to an increase in the flow of migrants through unofficial crossings and under harsh conditions.
The police and military will conduct patrols and checks, establish new observation posts, deploy drones and unmanned aircraft, use helicopters for surveillance and transfer, and use night vision cameras, thermal cameras, and satellite communication equipment, according to the President in a press statement.
Hundreds of migrants are currently stranded in border communities, awaiting an official settlement, after illegally entering the nation.
According to Pinera, Chile recently passed a migration law that aims to "organise the migratory flow" in the country. He also indicated that he has been in talks with Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru to settle the matter.
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