Chile’s New President Promises ‘Iron Fist’ for Immigrants

December 18, 2025

Chile has elected far-right candidate José Antonio Kast as president, who campaigned on promises to expel millions of recent immigrants, primarily from Venezuela, Colombia, and Haiti. His victory comes amid a dramatic doubling of Chile's foreign-born population over five years and widespread public anxiety about security, despite the country maintaining relatively stable crime statistics. Kast has pledged harsh anti-crime measures modeled after El Salvador's approach, including building 100,000 new prison spaces with severe conditions and implementing mass deportations beginning in 2026.

Who is affected

Recent immigrants to Chile, particularly Venezuelans, Colombians, and Haitians
The nearly 9% of Chile's population that is now foreign-born
Residents of campamentos (illegal settlements), including approximately 200 children and adolescents in the Maipú settlement alone
Chilean citizens experiencing economic stagnation and housing shortages
Local Chilean activists who fear potential targeting under expanded enforcement
Current prison population of 60,000 inmates (expected to grow significantly)

What action is being taken

Officials in Maipú announced the dismantling of an illegal settlement housing nearly 400 people, including 200 children, just two days after the election
President Trump is conducting what appears to be a campaign aimed at regime change in Venezuela, citing the Tren del Aragua crime syndicate
Trump is implementing draconian deportation policies in the U.S. related to Venezuelan criminal organizations

Why it matters

This represents a significant political shift toward far-right governance in one of Latin America's traditionally more stable democracies. The election demonstrates how immigration anxiety can override objective crime statistics in shaping political outcomes, as Chileans cite security concerns despite living in one of the region's safest countries. The situation also illustrates a broader pattern of anti-immigrant populism spreading across the Americas, with Chile adopting rhetoric and policies similar to those in the United States and El Salvador. The potential return to Pinochet-era authoritarianism raises serious human rights concerns, particularly given Kast's family history and his promises of windowless cells without electricity or outside contact.

What's next

Mass expulsions are promised to peak in 2026 after Kast's government takes full control
Construction of 100,000 new prison spaces is planned, featuring cells without windows, electricity, or outside world access
Chile's current prison population of 60,000 is anticipated to grow significantly in coming years
Implementation of the "Plan Implacable" (Iron Fist) tough-on-crime approach with longer sentences for criminals

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint