On 6 May, the Commission for Peace and Understanding delivered its final report to President Gabriel Boric. This marked a milestone in institutional efforts to address the long-standing territorial conflict in Chile’s ‘Southern Macrozone’. The region has been militarised and under a state of exception since 2021 due to escalating tensions between the state and Mapuche Indigenous communities over their historic demand for their ancestral land and self-determination. The Commission, established in 2023, included Mapuche commissioners (four out of eight in total), and presented 21 recommendations. These include new laws to recognize Indigenous groups, new mechanisms for land restitution, and reparations to victims of the conflict involving the Mapuche. The government announced initial responses, including consultations with Indigenous groups, a new system for assessing and conducting land restitution, enhanced support for conflict victims, and an economic recovery and development plan for the region. 

Sources: El Pais, Presidencia de Chile, Radio Universidad Chile, Ciper

On 4 February, President Boric enacted Law 21.732, which replaces the country’s old anti-terrorism law (No. 18.314). The new legislation aims to strengthen law enforcement efforts against terrorism amid a deteriorating security situation linked to a rise in organized crime. The law authorizes special investigative techniques for terrorist crimes, including the controversial "IMSI-Catcher" technology, which enables communication interception and grants access to information about individuals under investigation—as well as those around them. Critics argue that this technology may infringe on the privacy of individuals unrelated to the crimes under investigation. They also raise concerns about the law’s vague definition of “terrorism,” warning it could be misused to target political dissent, as among the new provisions is the ability to prosecute individuals solely for being part of terrorist organizations. The law also criminalizes collaboration with such groups and the financing of terrorism.

Sources: Ministerio del Interior Chile, CIPER, Biobio Chile, Bibilioteca del Congreso Nacional de Chile

Chilean authorities have announced that the government is considering a plan to regularize the status of undocumented migrants. If implemented, the plan could benefit over 180,000 migrants who completed a registration process, including biometric data collection, that started in 2023. Applicants would also need to prove family or work ties to Chile. Undersecretary of the Interior Luis Cordero stated the plan is motivated by economic and security concerns, stating that irregular migrants are more vulnerable to exploitation by criminal organizations. Additionally, there is a need for these individuals to formally enter the workforce and access basic benefits. The announcement has faced criticism from conservative politicians, some of whom accuse the government of promoting and rewarding undocumented immigrants. Most potential beneficiaries are reportedly of Venezuelan nationality and between the ages of 25 and 30. The government has yet to clarify how the measure would be implemented or whether it would require legislative approval.

Sources: Bio Bio Chile, Emol tv, Infobae, Swiss Info

On 26 November, the lower chamber of the legislature approved changes to over 56 articles of Law 21.325 on Migration. These revisions include new conditions for acquiring naturalization and revocation of residence permits for foreign nationals. Crimes such as domestic violence, sexual exploitation, and the illegal use of firearms have been added as grounds for expulsion. If enacted, the law would also allow revoking residence permits of individuals with repeated offenses related to “harmonious coexistence” like street vending, altercations, or disturbing noises. Additionally, the requirements for naturalization would now include a longer residence period and passing an exam. The modifications have broad political support, but were criticized by migrant organizations and experts who argue that they could promote discriminatory practices, stigmatize migrants, and increase their vulnerability. The modifications will now be discussed in the upper chamber.

Sources: La Tercera, Radio universidad Chile, Interferencia, Cámara de Diputadas y Diputados Chile, Emol