Chilean government launches major security and crime agenda

The administration of President José Antonio Kast has launched a comprehensive security agenda known as the Agenda against Organized Crime and Terrorism (ACOT). The initiative, led by Security Minister Martín Arrau, includes approximately 30 legislative projects, including 19 currently in process and several upcoming constitutional reforms intended to bolster public security.

A primary point of contention in the Chilean Senate is a proposed constitutional-level registry of criminal gangs. The government aims to have the Executive branch manage this registry under Senate oversight. However, members of the Senate Security Commission have raised concerns regarding the separation of powers. Senator Karim Bianchi questioned whether the Senate would function as a court, noting that if the registry leads to the seizure of assets or criminal consequences, it should remain a judicial rather than political matter.

Senator Juan Luis Castro warned against turning the issue into an ideological battle and emphasized that the judicial system, rather than political control, should determine which groups constitute organized crime. Given the high quorum of 4/7 required for these reforms, the government will need to reach agreements with opposition parties.