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Chilean President José Antonio Kast has announced plans to seek congressional approval for a series of legislative reforms aimed at tackling organised crime, reviving one of his key campaign promises to strengthen security across the country.
In a televised national address on Wednesday, Kast said his administration would introduce new measures designed to give authorities greater powers to confront criminal networks, including foreign groups blamed for contributing to a rise in violent crime.
“ There are more than 30 bills, some already in Congress which are going to change the way we confront organised crime in Chile,” Kast said, adding that additional legislation would be presented in the coming days.
Chile remains among the safest countries in Latin America, but authorities have recorded a sharp increase in murders and kidnappings in recent years. Officials have linked part of the rise to the expansion of international criminal organisations, including Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua gang.
Kast, a 60-year-old far-right lawyer who took office in March, campaigned on promises to launch a major security operation and tighten immigration controls. His government has faced pressure to deliver rapid results on crime, with critics questioning the pace of his promised reforms.
The country’s homicide rate reached 5.4 deaths per 100,000 inhabitants in 2025, roughly twice the level recorded a decade earlier.
As part of his proposed changes, Kast said he would seek a constitutional reform to establish Chile’s “duty” to protect citizens’ security. He argued that the amendment would expand government powers and strengthen the legal tools available to fight criminal organisations.
“Will allow us to have a much broader framework for action and more effective tools to combat crime,” Kast said. He added that membership of a criminal organisation would become a standalone offence carrying tougher penalties.
The president also pledged stricter punishments for criminal groups that recruit minors, as his administration seeks to disrupt recruitment networks.
The announcement comes after Kast requested the resignation of his first security minister, former prosecutor Trinidad Steinert, just 69 days into her tenure, following criticism over the government’s handling of its crime agenda.
The president’s proposed reforms will now depend on support from lawmakers as his administration attempts to turn its security promises into policy.
