Argentine Opposition Raises Concerns Over US Lawmakers' Visit to Strategic Ushuaia

Unannounced US Congressional Visit to Ushuaia Sparks Controversy

A recent visit by a bipartisan delegation of US lawmakers to Ushuaia, Argentina's southernmost city, has drawn sharp criticism from the country's Peronist opposition. The unannounced arrival of a US Air Force Boeing C-40 Clipper carrying members of the House Committee on Energy and Commerce on Monday, January 26, 2026, fueled suspicions regarding the true intent behind the visit.

The US Embassy in Buenos Aires confirmed the delegation's presence, stating that their meetings with government officials and stakeholders were to discuss a range of topics, including environmental degradation, permits for mine and waste management, the processing of critical minerals, and matters of public health and medical safety.

Opposition Suspects Naval Base Ambitions Amidst Port Intervention

However, Argentine opposition figures, including Emiliano Fossatto, legal secretary of Tierra del Fuego province, and Senator Cristina Lopez, voiced significant 'uncertainty' and demanded explanations from the government. Their primary concern revolves around the possibility that President Javier Milei is seeking to establish a joint naval base with the United States in the strategically vital region.

This suspicion is amplified by the timing of the visit, which coincided with the Milei administration's intervention in the Port of Ushuaia. Senator Lopez explicitly questioned the lack of official communication and congressional involvement, stating, 'Tierra del Fuego is not a foreign military base.' The opposition views the port intervention as part of a broader strategic push by the United States in Argentina's far south, facilitated by President Milei's government.

Ushuaia's Strategic Importance and Milei's US Alignment

Ushuaia holds considerable geopolitical significance as the 'Gateway to Antarctica' and a crucial node in South Atlantic maritime connectivity. Its port serves as a vital resupply point for Antarctic expeditions, fishing fleets, and a stopover for vessels navigating between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans. The region also possesses potential for mining, including rare earths, which are critical for various modern industries.

President Javier Milei has consistently advocated for closer relations with the United States, adopting what has been described as an 'unconditional alignment' with Washington. He has previously met with heads of the US Southern Command in Ushuaia, including Laura Richardson in 2024 and Alvin Holsey last year, with discussions reportedly including tours of the Integrated Naval Base under construction since 2022. While Milei's government has denied US involvement in the base's conception, the opposition remains wary of increasing US influence in the region.

Ongoing Debate on Sovereignty and Geopolitical Interests

The visit underscores the ongoing debate within Argentina regarding national sovereignty and the country's geopolitical alignment. While the US Embassy emphasized environmental and economic cooperation, the opposition's concerns highlight the sensitive nature of foreign military presence and potential strategic interests in a region considered vital for Argentina's Antarctic claims and control over South Atlantic resources. The unannounced nature of the visit and the use of a military aircraft have further fueled calls for greater transparency from the Argentine government.