Peru’s Ministry of Defense has announced this Tuesday plans to use military installations in disuse to detain irregular migrants, aiming to strengthen migration control and expedite deportations.
The Peruvian government has taken a significant step in its migration control strategy by announcing the use of military installations in disuse to detain irregular migrants.
The measure, ratified by Defense Minister Rafael Belaúnde during his presentation to the Constitutional Commission of the Chamber of Deputies, aims to bolster migration control mechanisms and accelerate administrative deportations within the national territory.
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The Ministry of Defense has been working on a registry of military terrains and installations that are no longer in use. These sites will be temporarily converted into detention centers for migrants in irregular situations while their repatriation processes are underway.
The initiative responds to a formal request from the Ministry of Justice, which oversees the penitentiary system, and seeks to extend the detention periods for identity checks and the execution of administrative deportation orders.
Perú expulsó a más de 2.800 extranjeros en situación irregular desde inicios de 2026, según señaló el superintendente nacional de Migraciones, Luis Yunis Herrera.
➡️https://t.co/terGIATc0k pic.twitter.com/YwjD5Ep5Hz— Diario El Peruano (@DiarioElPeruano) September 14, 2026
Text reads: “Peru expelled more than 2,800 foreigners in irregular situation since the beginning of 2026, according to the national superintendent of Migration, Luis Yunis Herrera.”
Currently, Peruvian law allows for a three-day window to execute expulsion orders for foreigners with irregular status. The Ministry of Defense proposes extending this period to seven days to optimize operational procedures. Minister Belaúnde clarified that this initiative will not affect active military units or operational barracks, focusing solely on unoccupied facilities.
The first site selected for conversion into a detention center is the former School of Armored Vehicles in Ancón, located in the northern part of Lima. This strategic move is part of the government’s broader effort to enhance migration control and expedite the deportation process for individuals without proper documentation.
The government’s decision to utilize military installations for migrant detention has sparked debate. Critics argue that the measure could lead to overcrowding and inadequate conditions for detainees, while supporters view it as a necessary step to manage the influx of migrants more effectively. The Ministry of Defense has assured that the facilities will be adequately prepared to meet the needs of those detained, emphasizing that the focus remains on ensuring humane treatment and efficient processing.
The use of military installations for migrant detention is not unprecedented. Other countries have resorted to similar measures during periods of high migrant influx. However, the effectiveness and humanitarian implications of such practices remain subjects of ongoing debate. The Peruvian government will need to navigate these complexities while implementing its new strategy, ensuring that it adheres to international standards for the treatment of migrants.
As Peru continues to grapple with migration challenges, the use of military installations for detention represents a significant shift in its approach to migration control. The government’s ability to balance security concerns with humanitarian considerations will be crucial in determining the success of this new strategy.
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