Chile's Political Landscape Shifts Right Amid Security and Migration Concerns

Chile's recent election resulted in a shift towards conservative governance, with voters electing José Antonio Kast as president. The outcome follows concerns regarding security, immigration, and crime within the country.### President-Elect José Antonio Kast's Background and PlatformJosé Antonio Kast is identified as a conservative politician. He has publicly acknowledged General Augusto Pinochet, who led a right-wing military government in Chile for 17 years following a US-backed coup. This period was characterized by military rule, human rights abuses, and censorship. Kast's family history includes his German-born father's past membership in the Nazi Party and his brother's service as a minister under Pinochet. Supporters of Kast have stated that Pinochet's era brought greater peace to Chile. In his initial address as president-elect, Kast, 59, affirmed that his commitment to establishing an "emergency government" would not involve "authoritarianism," addressing past criticisms directed at other regional leaders who implemented military responses to organized crime.### Regional Political TrendsThe election positions Chile as the latest Latin American nation to experience a notable shift from left-wing to right-wing political alignment. This trend has also been observed in countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, El Salvador, and Panama. Upcoming elections in Peru, Colombia, and Brazil are anticipated next year. Kast's victory aligns Chile with a growing group of conservative administrations, potentially fostering closer ties with US President Donald Trump, particularly on issues of migration and security. In other regional examples, factors such as inflation and economic crisis in Argentina, or public dissatisfaction with corruption or internal disputes in leftist governments, have influenced similar political shifts. In Chile, immigration and crime emerged as central drivers of this electoral outcome.### Immigration and Security PoliciesKast's campaign included pledges for a border wall and increased deportations of undocumented migrants. During rallies, he stated that individuals without proper documentation should depart prior to his inauguration if they intended to maintain future eligibility for return. This message resonated within a country that has experienced rapid growth in its foreign-born population. Government statistics indicate that by 2023, nearly two million non-nationals resided in Chile, representing a 46% increase since 2018. Approximately 336,000 undocumented migrants, many from Venezuela, are estimated to be living in Chile. The pace of this demographic change has contributed to public discourse in Chile.Jeremías Alonso, a Kast supporter involved in youth voter mobilization, stated that Chile "was not prepared to receive the wave of immigration it did." He countered claims of xenophobia regarding Kast's rhetoric, explaining that Kast advocates for legal entry for foreigners: "What Kast is saying is that foreigners should come to Chile, let them come to work, but they should enter properly through the door, not through the window." Alonso also cited perceived strains on public services and observed "social changes that irregular immigration brings in terms of crime, drug addiction and security" in his working-class community.Kast has connected rising crime rates with immigration. While this perspective gained political traction, the number of murders in Chile has decreased since its peak in 2022, and some studies suggest that migrants generally have lower crime rates. Many voters express concerns about organized crime, drug trafficking, thefts, and carjackings, contributing to a broader sense of insecurity.### Implementation Challenges and Migrant PerspectivesKast's post-election statements indicated that migrants adhering to the law would be welcomed, while criminals would face incarceration, aiming to restore public order. He is anticipated to implement a firm approach, including potentially deploying the military to border areas and using social media to publicize enforcement efforts. However, significant logistical challenges exist for large-scale deportations; for instance, Venezuela does not currently accept deportees from Chile, limiting past efforts. Kast's approach may rely on encouraging voluntary departures, though such a strategy is unlikely to result in the departure of hundreds of thousands of individuals.Gabriel Funez, a Venezuelan waiter who entered Chile four years ago seeking economic stability, currently holds a temporary ID for tax purposes but awaits a response to his visa application, describing his status as "basically a ghost." While concerned about deportation, Funez primarily fears an increase in xenophobia, stating, "Kast is expressing what many Chileans want to express. He's validating it." He recounted instances where diners at his workplace made comments about migrants, which he found "uncomfortable." Approximately 90% of the restaurant's staff are migrants. The reliance of some Chilean businesses on foreign labor, as exemplified by Carlos Alberto Cossio, a Bolivian national operating a salteña business with migrant workers, suggests potential dynamics between economic interests and immigration policies.