The Peruvian government declared a state of emergency on April 12 in several districts of the Cajamarca region for sixty days to restore public order amid a rise in illegal mining, related crimes, and violence.
The decision is outlined in Supreme Decree No. 052-2026-PCM, published in the official newspaper El Peruano. The measure covers the districts of Encañada and Chetilla (Cajamarca province); Cachachi (Cajabamba); Sorochuco and Huasmin (Celendín); Contumazá (Contumazá province); Chalamarca (Chota); Hualgayoc, Chugur, and Bambamarca (Hualgayoc province); San Ignacio and San José de Lourdes (San Ignacio province); and Gregorio Pita (San Marcos).
During the emergency period, the National Police will maintain control over internal order with support from the Armed Forces. Authorities will prioritize intelligence-based interventions using crime indicators and maps to effectively combat activities linked to illegal mining.
The decree restricts certain constitutional rights within affected areas as specified by Article 137 of Peru’s Constitution. These include limitations on inviolability of domicile, freedom of movement, freedom of assembly, and personal security.
A Unified Operational Coordination Command will be established along with specialized committees for intelligence, oversight, and strategic communication involving state entities at all levels. These groups aim to coordinate actions that reduce crime rates and dismantle organizations involved in illegal mining.
Additional measures include territorial control operations, ongoing patrols, monitoring supplies and routes connected to illicit activities, as well as intelligence efforts focused on identifying criminal structures operating locally. The government said this intervention demonstrates its commitment to strengthening citizen security, upholding rule of law, and protecting residents from threats posed by illegal mining through coordinated action.
