Land occupation and eviction responses in South America

Authorities in Chile and Argentina are addressing illegal land occupations and settlements through judicial orders and government security plans.

In Chile, large-scale evictions were carried out in Curanilahue and Colina. In Curanilahue, 63 families were removed from the La Virgen sector following a Court of Appeals ruling, with some relocated to donated land. In Colina, an operation involving over 900 families was initiated at the Aconcagua camp. The Ministry of Housing and local municipalities have provided rental subsidies, temporary shelter, and social support to assist with the transition.

In Neuquén, Argentina, a judge authorized an eviction order for a private property occupied by approximately 100 to 130 people. While the court granted a 48-hour window for the eviction, execution was paused as authorities evaluated operational risks involving mud, flooded terrain, and the presence of minors. Prosecutor Juan Narváez stated the priority is to restore property to owners without violence, noting the regional housing deficit. Police have cordoned off the area, and child defense services have been notified.

Developments in Neuquén have since shifted toward strategic mediation and data verification regarding a six-hectare property. The Prosecutor’s Office, developers, and the Provincial Institute of Housing and Urbanism (IPVU) are meeting to address the occupation. Authorities are cross-referencing occupant data with the Provincial Registry of Housing and Habitat (RUPROVI); preliminary findings indicate some occupants may not qualify for registry status because they previously sold or transferred state-allocated lots. While the eviction order remains in effect, execution is delayed to avoid major conflict, though police have restricted the entry of food, water, and firewood to the site.