Chile’s entry into Trump-backed Shield of the Americas sparks fierce domestic backlash
Chile’s government joined the US-led Shield of the Americas, but opposition leaders and lawmakers denounce it as a threat to national sovereignty.
On September 22, Chile’s foreign ministry signed the membership documents for the Shield of the Americas, a regional initiative championed by Donald Trump to fight transnational organized crime. The far-right government under President José Antonio Kast describes the pact as a voluntary political declaration, not a treaty, but the text released by the U.S. State Department reveals three pillars—economic, security and multilateral coordination.
Former presidents Michelle Bachelet and Gabriel Boric issued a joint statement urging Chile to reconsider, warning that the language on “continental sovereignty” could erode national autonomy. Interior minister Claudio Alvarado dismissed their arguments, saying cooperation does not mean subordination to Washington. Five opposition lawmakers have lodged a complaint with the Comptroller General, labeling the agreement a covert treaty that threatens sovereignty. A Senate special session is scheduled for October 7 to examine Chile’s participation.
Why it matters
The dispute tests Chile’s autonomy and could reshape regional security cooperation.
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