Chile moves hundreds of inmates to a new prison as President Kast ramps up security push

Chilean President José Antonio Kast transferred nearly 300 high-risk inmates to a newly opened prison, La Laguna Prison, as part of his security agenda to combat organized crime. The move comes as the government aims to address prison overcrowding and prevent incarcerated gang leaders from continuing their criminal activities while in custody.

Kast visited the prison, located about 155 miles south of Chile's capital, Santiago, to oversee the transfer and demonstrated the impact of the security crackdown by showing crowded, shackled inmates reminiscent of El Salvador's security measures implemented by President Nayib Bukele. The transfer has reduced violence but has also drawn criticism from human rights groups who allege arbitrary detention, abuse, and erosion of civil liberties.