Chile intensifies migrant expulsions and restores consular ties with Venezuela

Chile’s migration enforcement surged in early 2026, with the National Migration Service reporting 1,330 expulsions – a 176% rise compared with the same period in 2025. Irregular border entries fell 33%, charter flights carrying deportees increased from four to nine, and inspections rose 26%, reflecting the government’s “Plan Escudo Fronterizo” under President José Antonio Kast.

In parallel, Chile and Venezuela re‑established consular relations after a 2024 rupture. Diplomatic notes were exchanged between Chile’s director of consular affairs Hernán Núñez and Venezuelan Vice‑Minister Mauricio Rodríguez, enabling services for the estimated 700,000 Venezuelans living in Chile and about 25,000 Chileans in Venezuela. The restored channel also facilitates coordination of the large pending deportation orders, many targeting Venezuelan nationals.