Peru’s president is asking Congress for legislative powers to extend detention periods and expedite the removal of immigrants who are in the country illegally
by the El Reportero wire services
Peruvian President Keiko Fujimori has asked Congress to expand the executive branch’s authority to strengthen the country’s immigration enforcement measures, including extending certain detention periods and facilitating the deportation of foreign nationals who are in Peru illegally.
Fujimori defended her government’s request for legislative powers on Friday, saying some measures can be implemented under existing authority, while others require authorization from the legislative branch.
“To be able to extend these periods during which they are detained, and then deport them,” Fujimori said, explaining one of the changes her administration wants to implement. “Everything we can move forward with without [special] powers, we are doing, but we need the additional tools through Congress,” she added.
The president argued that the number of undocumented immigrants makes it necessary to strengthen existing enforcement mechanisms. One proposal would extend the detention period for foreign nationals in the country illegally who are linked to criminal activity while authorities complete the procedures necessary for their deportation.
Fujimori also said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio supported the initiative during a recent visit to Lima. The U.S. official traveled to Peru as the country joins the so-called Shield of the Americas, a regional initiative focused on security cooperation.
At the same time, the Peruvian government is planning a restructuring of the National Police of Peru. According to Fujimori, the goal is to strengthen authorities’ ability to combat organized crime and remove officers involved in misconduct from the force.
The president said the process could receive international cooperation from the FBI, the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Interpol, particularly through technical assistance and information sharing.
Peru maintains ties with Washington and Beijing
Fujimori also addressed Peru’s international relations amid growing U.S. interest in the country and China’s significant economic presence.
The president rejected the idea that Peru must choose between Washington and Beijing, saying her government intends to maintain commercial relations with countries belonging to the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum (APEC).
Fujimori hopes to receive authorization from Congress to attend the next APEC summit, where she could meet with U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping.
“Peru will continue to be a trading partner of those who are part of the Asia-Pacific forum,” Fujimori said.
