Chile Proposes Constitutional Reform to Bolster Border Security
SANTIAGO, Chile, Oct. 31 (UPI) — Facing rising concerns over organized crime and irregular migration, Chilean President Gabriel boric has proposed a constitutional reform granting the armed forces permanent responsibility for security in border areas. Currently, border control is primarily handled by the national police, the Carabineros de Chile, wiht military involvement requiring 90-day congressional authorizations for specific operations.
The proposed reform, introduced in the Chilean senate earlier this month, would empower soldiers to conduct identity checks, searches, and detain individuals suspected of crimes, handing them over to the Carabineros or Investigative Police. The government argues this is necessary due to the exploitation of irregular migration by transnational criminal organizations involved in smuggling, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
A recent report from the National prosecutor’s Office highlights the growing presence of at least 16 transnational criminal groups operating within Chile, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua and Colombia’s Los Shottas. While drug trafficking remains the primary source of criminal income, kidnapping and extortion are on the rise, despite a decrease in homicides.
The issue of crime and irregular migration has become a central focus of Chile’s political landscape ahead of the November 16th elections. Political scientist Claudio Fuentes, director of the Institute for Social Science Research at Diego Portales University, believes the proposal is intended to demonstrate the government’s commitment to border security, particularly from the left, given the issue’s prominence.
Though, the reform’s passage is uncertain. The government lacks control of either chamber of Congress,and lawmakers are currently focused on the 2026 budget. Fuentes suggests the bill may be more of a political statement than a likely legislative achievement before the end of Boric’s administration in March. He also notes that further legislation regulating the armed forces’ use of force in border control situations needs to be addressed to avoid potential legal repercussions for military personnel.
