José Antonio Kast, the newly inaugurated President of Chile, has quickly set the tone for his administration by ordering the construction of physical barriers along the border with Bolivia. This directive aligns with his campaign promise to address irregular immigration in the country. During the signing of his first presidential decrees, Kast emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation and increased personnel to implement these barriers effectively against illegal immigration.

This initiative includes a broader immigration strategy known as the "Border Shield Plan," which involves collaboration between the Defense and Interior ministries to enforce stricter regulations on immigration. Kast's government is making significant changes to existing legislation, aimed at deterring irregular immigration by modifying laws regarding the use of force at the border. The move has drawn comparisons to similar policies implemented by former US President Donald Trump, indicating a shift towards more hardline immigration tactics in Chile.

Kast's government, which leans to the right, is just beginning its mandate, and this aggressive stance on immigration is expected to provoke discussions and debates within the country and beyond. By aligning his policies with those of Trump, Kast suggests a willingness to embrace controversial methods to manage immigration, potentially opening a path for international scrutiny and local opposition as the implications of these policies unfold in Chile's socio-political landscape.