The government of Chile launched this month the “Border Shield” plan, which José Antonio Kast had announced during his presidential campaign. The plan involves building a wall to close the northern border with Bolivia and Peru. The initiative aims to achieve “with firm measures a total closure of the border to illegal immigration,” that is, “the closure of unauthorized crossings” with “severe sanctions and an unprecedented military and police deployment,” according to the project's official document. Work began in mid-March, with priority given to critical crossings such as Colchane and Chacalluta. The first results of the “Border Shield” will be seen in the Arica and Parinacota region.
“Total protection”: fences, walls, and ditches. - Security walls/fences 5 meters high, similar to those used in Israel and Hungary, equipped with motion sensors and drone surveillance, in areas adjacent to official or unauthorized crossings. - Ditches 3 meters deep in high-migration-traffic areas to prevent vehicle access and the passage of caravans. - Electrified perimeter fences, with constant patrols by the Armed Forces and Carabineros in areas adjacent to official or unauthorized crossings. - Watchtowers and thermal radars to allow for the immediate detection of suspicious movements. - Autonomous drones with facial recognition, infrared, and thermal cameras, operating 24/7. - A 10-kilometer exclusion zone will be implemented along the border, where any undocumented person will be automatically detained and expelled.
Other measures of the Border Shield. - The Armed Forces and Law Enforcement, constituted as a Joint Task Force, will take absolute control of the northern border. - 3,000 personnel will be deployed in rotating shifts. - Military personnel will have full powers to detain, redirect, and expel any foreigner who crosses illegally. - Their actions will be safeguarded by Military Justice. - A 10-kilometer exclusion zone will be implemented along the border, where any undocumented person will be automatically detained and expelled. - Those who attempt to enter violently or disobey orders will be subdued under strict protocols.
