Argentina’s government has introduced a new migration enforcement program that grants expanded powers to federal security forces to monitor, detain and deport foreign residents and tourists suspected of violating immigration rules, according to a resolution published in the Official Gazette on June 19.
The measure, formally established as the Migratory Security Program through Resolution 551/2026, was introduced by the administration of President Javier Milei and designed by the Ministry of Security. The regulation creates specialized migration security divisions within the Federal Police, the National Gendarmerie, the Naval Prefecture and the Airport Security Police.
Under the new framework, these units will work alongside the National Migration Directorate to carry out migration-related operations. Their responsibilities include gathering intelligence, preventing administrative violations, monitoring border areas and participating directly in the detention and deportation of foreign nationals who do not meet legal residency requirements.
The government has defended the initiative as a measure aimed at strengthening border security and improving control over migration flows. Officials from the Ministry of Security have described the program as necessary to increase coordination between security agencies and migration authorities.
The policy has drawn criticism from human rights organizations and social movements, which argue that the expanded authority given to security forces could lead to increased surveillance and arbitrary checks targeting migrant communities. These groups have warned that the measure risks criminalizing foreign residents, particularly workers from other South American countries.
The program represents a significant shift toward a more security-focused approach to migration policy. Critics have linked the strategy to migration enforcement measures implemented in the United States under former President Donald Trump, pointing to similarities in the use of security forces for border and immigration operations.
Supporters of the policy argue that stronger enforcement is needed to address irregular migration. However, social organizations and rights advocates have raised concerns about the potential impact on access to documentation, healthcare, education and formal employment for foreign residents.
Religious and civil society groups have also expressed concern over the consequences of the new measures. The Argentine Catholic Church has warned about the humanitarian impact of large-scale enforcement operations, questioning whether such actions contribute to social integration or primarily serve political and media purposes.
Organizations representing migrant communities have said that changes to administrative procedures and restrictions on regularization options could increase vulnerability among foreign residents. They argue that difficulties obtaining legal documents may push more people into informal employment and reduce their ability to access essential public services.
The government’s announcement comes amid broader political debate over migration and security policies in Argentina. The administration has emphasized stronger controls as part of its public security agenda, while critics argue that the approach risks creating a climate of fear among migrant populations.
A migration operation carried out in Buenos Aires’ Balvanera neighborhood was cited by authorities as an example of the new enforcement approach. According to government communications, officials checked more than 460 people, identified foreign nationals in irregular situations and detained two Peruvian citizens accused of aggravated sexual abuse who authorities said would face deportation proceedings.
The implementation of the Migratory Security Program marks a major change in Argentina’s immigration enforcement system, placing federal security agencies at the center of migration control efforts. The policy is expected to remain a focus of debate as authorities begin applying the new measures and affected communities respond to the expanded enforcement powers.
