New Agency to Centralize Immigration Control
Argentina's government officially announced the creation of a new National Migration Agency (ANM) on Tuesday, November 26, 2025. This significant restructuring involves transferring immigration controls from the Ministry of the Interior to the Ministry of Security. The announcement was made by outgoing Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, who stated that the move aims for a comprehensive management approach with a primary focus on border patrols.
The shift represents a 'paradigm change' in Argentina's approach to migration, which was historically managed under the Interior Ministry. Alejandra Monteoliva, who is set to succeed Bullrich as Security Minister, also participated in the announcement, underscoring the continuity of the government's security policies.
Focus on Border Security and Transnational Crime
The primary objective behind the establishment of the ANM is to enhance border surveillance and combat transnational criminal activities. Minister Bullrich emphasized that the agency will specifically target drug trafficking, terrorism, and human trafficking. The government of President Javier Milei describes this new policy as the 'Bullrich Doctrine,' aimed at fighting narco-terrorism, criminal organizations, and maintaining law and order.
The new agency is designed to optimize border coordination, policing, and migration intelligence to confront these threats. Officials within the ANM are expected to receive specialized training in areas such as terrorism, human trafficking, and drug trafficking.
Inspired by U.S. Models and Future Structure
The National Migration Agency is largely inspired by security models in the United States, including its Homeland Security, Border Patrol, and Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The long-term vision includes the creation of an immigration police force, modeled after the U.S. Border Patrol. This new decentralized agency is intended to have greater autonomy and foster better collaboration across the country, with all provinces participating to ensure a federal perspective.
The ANM will function as a 'fusion model' integrating existing law enforcement officials and coordinating the efforts of various security forces, such as the Federal Police, the Airport Security Police (PSA), and the National Gendarmerie (Gendarmería Nacional).
Broader Context of Immigration Policy Tightening
The creation of the National Migration Agency is part of a broader series of restrictive immigration policy changes implemented by the Milei administration. These changes include:
- An emergency decree in October 2024 that restricts access to asylum.
- Executive Order Decree 366/25, issued in May 2025, which limits permanent residency and citizenship, restricts migrants' access to public healthcare and education, and expands the grounds for deportation.
- Stricter requirements for obtaining permanent residency and citizenship, often requiring proof of income or significant financial investment.
5 Comments
Michelangelo
The idea of a 'fusion model' for law enforcement could be effective for national security, but the inspiration from US models like the TSA and Border Patrol brings with it concerns about overreach and discrimination. It needs careful implementation.
Raphael
Restricting healthcare and education for migrants is cruel and inhumane.
Donatello
Finally, real action on border security! This is long overdue.
Africa
While enhancing border security to combat transnational crime is a valid goal, the broad measures restricting access to asylum and public services for migrants raise serious human rights concerns. A more balanced approach is needed.
Habibi
Immigration is not a security threat. This is pure xenophobia.