The U.S. State Department announced on Friday that it has imposed visa restrictions on three unnamed Chilean government officials, citing actions it says contributed to the degradation of critical telecommunications infrastructure and weakened regional security.
According to the department, the targeted individuals are alleged to have directed, authorized, funded, or otherwise provided significant support to activities that compromised essential telecommunications systems and undermined security in the hemisphere. The measures announced make those officials and their immediate family members generally ineligible for entry into the United States. The department also said any U.S. visas the three individuals held have been revoked.
In its statement, the State Department framed the restrictions as reaffirming President Trump’s commitment to protecting America’s economic prosperity and national security interests in the region. The department characterized the action as part of ongoing efforts to promote accountability for Chilean nationals whose conduct the United States views as working to destabilize the hemisphere.
The announcement arrives as Chile prepares for a transition to a new administration. The State Department said it looks forward to advancing shared priorities with the incoming Kast Administration, including objectives that strengthen security across the hemisphere.
The department emphasized that it will continue to employ all available tools to promote the safety and security of the region. Beyond the immediate travel restrictions and visa revocations, the statement positioned the step as one element in a broader policy approach aimed at holding individuals accountable for actions seen as detrimental to regional stability and critical infrastructure.
Context and immediate effects
- The restrictions render the three unnamed officials and their immediate family members generally ineligible for entry to the U.S.
- Any existing U.S. visas held by the named individuals have been revoked.
- The State Department presented the action as consistent with wider accountability efforts for Chilean nationals accused of undermining regional security.
The statement does not provide additional identifying details about the officials or specify the precise nature of the activities alleged. It also does not outline follow-on measures beyond the visa restrictions and revocations noted.
The State Department said it intends to continue using the tools at its disposal to protect regional safety and security, while expressing a readiness to work with Chile’s incoming leadership on shared security priorities.