Regional Prosecutor of Arica, Mario Carrera, valued the border control work carried out by the Army and how it has managed to reduce the illegal passage of migrants to Chile in the northern area.
In an interview with Radio Cooperativethe prosecutor analyzed the fall in illegal immigration, in the context of the conviction of 34 defendants in the Los Gallegos trial, a cell of the Aragua Train, for various crimes.
“Being on the border with two drug-producing places, having a ‘better flag’ to be received in other latitudes of the world, and also being a spearhead to start operations in the rest of the country, are also influencing factors,” the prosecutor specified.
“All those things are maintained, therefore, it has made the teams not stop analyzing all that information. And we are working on it with the Investigative Police, the Carabineros, and a very good ally has joined us, which is the Border Army,” he added.
“There has been a before and after since the Army showed up at the control, which is not perfect, but it is much better than what we had before,” he said.
“However, since the military was installed on the borders with thermal cameras and a lot of troops deployed, that was cut short. In other words, if you want to come and go, that facility is no longer there,” complement.
“It is not that the control is perfect, but you already have to think about other geographical places, you have to go up a little inland where the geographical and climatic situation is much more complex. So, it is no longer the passageway we had before. In fact, last month income dropped to a minimum,” indicated the regional prosecutor of Arica.
Mario Carrera pointed out that the Public Ministry requires that the border office, installed at the beginning of the year, begin to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week from 2025 for these purposes.
“We also want you to attend at night and on weekends, because we understand that crime is not present during that time (Monday to Friday until midnight) and things happen during times when our office is not open, so More than that we have people on duty,” concluded the pursuer.
– What specific measures has the Chilean government implemented to address illegal immigration in Northern Chile?
Time.news Interview: Tackling Illegal Immigration in Northern Chile
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Mario Carrera, the Regional Prosecutor of Arica. Thank you for joining us, Prosecutor Carrera.
Prosecutor Mario Carrera: Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Interviewer: You’ve recently made headlines with your analysis of the fall in illegal immigration into Chile, particularly in the northern regions. Could you explain what factors you believe have led to this decline?
Prosecutor: Certainly. The efforts put forth by our military forces at the border have played a crucial role in reducing the illegal passage of migrants into Chile. Their presence has strengthened control measures, and while it’s not perfect, the difference is significant compared to what we had before.
Interviewer: That’s quite interesting. You mentioned that the Army’s involvement has marked a “before and after.” Could you elaborate on how their deployment has made an impact?
Prosecutor: Yes, having the Army on the ground means that we have more resources and manpower to monitor and manage border activities. Their ability to collaborate with other law enforcement agencies, such as the Carabineros and the Investigative Police, has proven to be an effective strategy. It also allows us to compile and analyze data more efficiently.
Interviewer: Collaboration seems essential in your efforts. How has the partnership with the Army influenced the operations against organized crime, especially considering the situation with groups like the Aragua Train that you mentioned?
Prosecutor: Absolutely. The border poses unique challenges due to its proximity to drug-producing regions. The presence of the Army provides a “better flag” for operations, enhancing our strategic position not only at the border but also throughout the country. It allows us to deal more effectively with organized crime networks.
Interviewer: Speaking of organized crime, you referenced the conviction of 34 defendants in the Los Gallegos trial. What are the implications of this trial in the broader context of combatting illegal immigration and organized crime?
Prosecutor: The conviction demonstrates our commitment to tackling these issues head-on. It sends a strong message that illegal activities will not be tolerated. Furthermore, it helps us dissect the operational structures of groups like the Aragua Train, allowing us to disrupt their activities and prevent them from expanding into new regions.
Interviewer: It sounds like a multi-faceted approach is necessary. What other strategies are being implemented to bolster your operations moving forward?
Prosecutor: Beyond military support, we’re focusing on information-sharing among all involved agencies, conducting joint operations, and enhancing community engagement to deter potential illegal activities at their root. By addressing these issues holistically, we aim not only to stamp out current problems but also to prevent future occurrences.
Interviewer: That’s a comprehensive approach. In your opinion, how do these measures align with Chile’s broader immigration policies, and what challenges do you foresee in this balance?
Prosecutor: It’s crucial to maintain a balance. While we focus on security and control, we also need to ensure that our immigration policies are humane and recognize the challenges faced by migrants. The challenge lies in effectively managing the flow while respecting human rights, as well as fostering international cooperation to tackle the issues at their source.
Interviewer: Thank you, Prosecutor Carrera, for sharing your insights. It’s clear that the work being done is both complex and vital for the future of Chilean borders.
Prosecutor: Thank you for the opportunity. Our work is ongoing, and I appreciate the chance to discuss these important issues.
Interviewer: We look forward to seeing how these measures continue to evolve. Thank you again for your time today.
