U.S. Department of State

02/20/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 02/20/2026 08:52

Visa Restrictions on Chilean Nationals Undermining Regional Security

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Visa Restrictions on Chilean Nationals Undermining Regional Security

Press Statement

Marco Rubio, Secretary of State

February 20, 2026

The United States is committed to countering attempts to undermine regional security and subvert sovereignty. Today, the Department of State is announcing it has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on three Chilean government officials who knowingly directed, authorized, funded, provided significant support to, and/or carried out activities that compromised critical telecommunications infrastructure and undermined regional security in our hemisphere. These individuals and their immediate family members will be generally ineligible for entry into the United States, and any U.S. visas held by them have been revoked.

These actions reaffirm President Trump's commitment to protect America's economic prosperity and national security interests in our region. We continue to promote accountability for Chilean nationals who intentionally work to destabilize our hemisphere. In its twilight, the Boric government's legacy shall be further tarnished by actions that undermine regional security at the ultimate expense of the Chilean people. We look forward to advancing shared priorities, including those that strengthen security in our hemisphere, with the incoming Kast Administration.

We continue to use all available tools to promote safety and security of our region.

These actions are being taken pursuant to Section 212(a)(3)(C) and Section 221(i) of the Immigration and Nationality Act.

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