In December 2025, Chileans participated in presidential elections that highlighted significant concerns around crime and immigration. Ultra-conservative candidate José Antonio Kast, who faced criticism in previous elections for his radical views, emerged as a likely frontrunner due to a shift in public sentiment. His opponent, Jara from the center-left governing party, had narrowly defeated him in the first round of elections, but public priorities regarding security and immigration issues increasingly favored Kast. As Kast pledges to implement strict policies, his victory reflects a broader trend among Latin American nations leaning towards right-wing leadership in response to increasing crime rates and immigration concerns. The process leading up to the election has been tense, with Chile experiencing unprecedented levels of violence and a surge in undocumented immigrants, primarily from Venezuela. In the year leading up to the elections, shootings and homicides hit record highs, contributing to a prevailing atmosphere of insecurity. This situation arose despite attempts from the government, led by the outgoing President Gabriel Boric, to address security challenges by increasing funding for police forces. However, his approval ratings suffered significantly, dropping to just 30% during his tenure. Chileans have expressed deep fears regarding safety and immigration, leading many voters to prioritize these issues as they considered their electoral choices. Kast's campaign effectively harnessed public anxiety around crime, particularly the perception that immigration was contributing to increased criminal activity. His past political missteps, including a controversial family history tied to the dictatorship, seemed less impactful this election cycle as voters faced immediate, pressing issues in their daily lives. Many of his supporters believe that confronting crime would take precedence over more abstract discussions around human rights, illustrating a pragmatic shift in voter priorities. Kast positioned himself as a strong alternative to the perceived inadequacies of the current government in providing citizens with a sense of safety. Kast’s proposed policies include a crackdown on undocumented immigrants, a stance that has generated mixed feelings among constituents. While he has called for stricter immigration controls and emphasized the necessity for lawful entry into the country, this has also sparked fears of rising xenophobia among both immigrant communities and citizens. The implications of his administration and the potential for significant social and political changes will be closely monitored as Kast aims to fulfil promises made during his campaign, balancing expectations against the realities of governance in a politically divided landscape.