Overview
- Chile has begun excavating five‑meter trenches and erecting walls in Arica under the ‘Escudo Fronterizo’ plan to tighten migration controls.
- President José Antonio Kast personally inspected initial works at the Chacalluta–Las Machas area, adjacent to Peru’s Santa Rosa border complex.
- Peruvian Foreign Minister Hugo de Zela said Peru will not comment or act as long as the works remain on Chilean territory and noted prior consultations with Chilean authorities.
- De Zela stated that Peru has formally told Chile it is not in a position to receive additional migrants.
- Prime Minister Luis Enrique Arroyo said the construction will not impact Peru and framed it as a sovereign decision, while President José María Balcázar voiced respect but warned of risks, invoking the Berlin Wall and stressing dialogue.