Echoing Trump, Milei government steps up rhetoric against illegal immigrants

President Javier Milei’s government has stepped up its rhetoric against illegal immigration, declaring it will tighten border controls and block criminals from entering Argentina.

In a video campaign launched Wednesday, Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva announced tougher immigration controls aimed at guaranteeing the law is upheld and preventing the presence on national territory of illegal immigrants or individuals with criminal records.

“I’m Alejandra Monteoliva, Minister of National Security. This message is clear. Argentina’s immigration rules have become tougher. Anybody trying to enter illegally or with a criminal record will not be able to,” the head of the Security portfolio said in a video published on social media.

The official declared that “any foreigner committing crimes within [national] territory will be identified, expelled and will not be able to come back."

“Those already here illegally will have to legalise their status or leave the country. Neither entering nor staying illegally will be tolerated,” she added, indicating that even without a criminal record, any foreigner lacking the corresponding legal authorisation will be liable to expulsion.

Under the tougher rules, federal security forces will work jointly with the National Immigration Board to intensify controls at border crossings, roads, airports, bus terminals and other strategic points through identification checks and criminal record verification, the Security Ministry said in a statement.

Praising President Milei’s “leadership,” the minister said the state “has recovered control of its borders.”

“For years the lack of controls has permitted organised crime, drug-trafficking and human-trafficking to opérate within our frontiers. That stage is over,” she added.

Monteoliva concluded: “The Argentina to come will be a great country full of opportunities for those who respect the rules. But those who choose to violate them will face the consequences because in this Argentina, you pay for what you do.”

New rhetoric

Argentina’s relationship with immigration is long-standing and defining. It has profoundly shaped the country’s identity.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the country actively encouraged European migration to populate its vast territory and fuel economic growth.

Immigration slowed after World War II, though smaller waves continued, including refugees from Europe and neighbouring Latin American countries.

In recent decades, most newcomers have come from Bolivia, Paraguay and Peru, alongside smaller communities from Asia and Africa.

Data from the 2022 census, carried out by the INDEC national statistics bureau, shows that Argentina’s immigrant population – defined as people born outside the country – totalled about 1.9 million, representing around 4.2 percent of the national population.

As for undocumented or “illegal” immigrants, there are no reliable estimates or precise official figures.

Monteoliva also confirmed that Diego Valenzuela will head the new Agencia de Seguridad Migratoria.

The agency will focus on border control and will be authorised to participate in security operations. Valenzuela aims to form a police force specialising in immigration, according to reports, which have already dubbed it “Argentina’s ICE” – a reference to the controversial Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency in the US emboldened to deport illegal immigrants.

The Milei government rejects any parallels between the Agencia de Seguridad Migratoria, whose creation was announced last November, and ICE, which has been heavily criticised by for its tactics.

Milei has forged close ties with US President Donald Trump and reoriented Argentina’s foreign policy towards Washington since taking office, often describing the United States as one of his “pillars.”

The La Libertad Avanza leader has followed the US on a number of high-profile steps, such as announcing Argentina’s departure from the World Health Organization and joining Trump’s new “Board of Peace.”

The new anti-illegal immigrant rhetoric is the latest in a series of policy moves aligned with the Trump administration.

– TIMES/PERFIL