Exclusive: U.S. Nears Deal to Deport Migrants to Argentina, Bolstering Trump's Immigration Agenda
BUENOS AIRES/WASHINGTON – The Biden administration is in advanced negotiations with Argentina to establish a bilateral agreement permitting the United States to deport migrants who entered illegally from other nations to the South American country, The New York Times reported Friday, citing internal government documents.
The proposal, formally submitted by an Argentine government official earlier this month, would designate Argentina as a "third country" destination for U.S. deportations. If finalized, the pact would represent a significant expansion of the Trump administration's immigration enforcement toolkit, which has actively sought similar agreements with nations including El Salvador, Costa Rica, and several African states.
Reuters could not independently verify the details of the reported talks. Both the U.S. State Department and Argentina's foreign ministry declined to comment when contacted for confirmation.
Policy Shift Under Milei
The potential agreement signals a dramatic foreign policy pivot for Argentina under libertarian President Javier Milei, a vocal admirer of former U.S. President Donald Trump. Historically known for its relatively welcoming immigration stance, Argentina has recently moved to tighten border controls. In December and January alone, nearly 5,000 people were denied entry or expelled, a "historic record," according to National Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva.
Milei's government has implemented stricter measures, including crackdowns on migrants with criminal records and mandatory health insurance requirements for travelers. Analysts suggest a deportation deal with Washington could be framed domestically as part of a broader "law and order" agenda while strengthening bilateral ties with the U.S.
Broader Implications
For the U.S., a pact with Argentina would provide a new, geographically distant option for removals, potentially easing pressure on domestic detention facilities. However, legal and humanitarian challenges are anticipated, particularly regarding the rights and processing of deported individuals in a receiving country thousands of miles from their original points of entry.
The move is likely to draw criticism from human rights organizations and could complicate regional diplomacy, as neighboring South American nations grapple with their own migration pressures.
Reactions & Analysis
"This is a pragmatic step in managing regional migration flows. Argentina has the capacity and, under Milei, the political will to cooperate on a complex issue that affects hemispheric stability." – Dr. Elena Vargas, Senior Fellow, Center for Latin American Studies.
"A disgraceful outsourcing of humanitarian responsibility. We're talking about shipping human beings to another continent as a political favor to Trump. It's a dark day for human rights in the Americas." – Marco Rossi, Director, Migrant Justice Advocacy Network.
"The logistics alone are daunting. The cost of flights, the legal frameworks for asylum claims in Argentina—this seems more like a political symbol than a practical solution." – Sarah Chen, Immigration Policy Analyst.
"Finally, a leader with the guts to put his own country's security first. If you come illegally, you shouldn't get to choose where you stay. This deal is a powerful deterrent." – James O'Sullivan, retired border patrol agent and political commentator.