Trending Now - Chile's President Initiates Border Barrier Construction Early in Term

WHO:

José Antonio Kast, President of Chile

U.S. President Donald Trump (mentioned as an ally)

WHAT:

President Kast began overseeing preparations to build a border barrier.

The border barrier is part of his "Border Shield" plan aimed at blocking illegal immigration.

A single bulldozer was observed digging a trench in the desert.

Kast issued half a dozen decrees using emergency powers to enhance border security and deport illegal immigrants.

WHERE:

Chile's northern border zone, specifically Chacalluta.

The trench is being carved in the desert area of Chile's northern frontier.

WHEN:

The border barrier construction began on March 15th, 2026, less than a week after Kast's inauguration on March 10th, 2026.

WHY:

The motivation behind the barrier is to close the border to illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and organized crime.

Chile's foreign population doubled between 2017 and 2024, with over 300,000 undocumented foreigners currently in the country, many from Venezuela.

HOW:

The barrier will consist of ditches and fences, patrolled by drones and military forces.

(UPDATED March 17, 2026 17:26 UTC)

In a significant move, Chile's President Kast has initiated the construction of a border barrier in the northern border zone of Chacalluta, part of his "Border Shield" plan aimed at curbing illegal immigration and organized crime. The construction began on March 15, just days after his inauguration, with a bulldozer already digging a trench in the desert, while Kast has also issued several decrees to enhance border security and facilitate the deportation of illegal immigrants. The barrier will feature ditches and fences, monitored by drones and military forces, as Chile faces a surge in its foreign population, particularly from Venezuela, with over 300,000 undocumented individuals currently in the country.