Argentine President Javier Milei, a staunch Trump ally, rejected a report claiming that the country was negotiating an agreement with Washington to receive deportees from third countries.
Concretely, Milei reposted different social media publications assuring the report, published last week by The New York Times, was false.
Local outlet La Nacion cited sources within the government conceding that U.S. officials got in touch with Argentine counterparts earlier in the administration but no agreement was reached. The main sticking point revolved around the public reaction to the arrival of deportees from other countries.
The report in question noted that there was no finalized agreement, but claimed that the Milei administration has shown eagerness to be on Donald Trump’s good side and strengthen the country’s alliance with the U.S.
The outlet added that the proposal was sent by Argentina‘s acting vice minister for foreign affairs, Juan Navarro, and Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno made a commitment to U.S. authorities to reach a deal, which contemplates sending people detained near the border shortly after crossing unlawfully.
The idea, according to the NYT, was for deportees to be flown to Argentina, from where they could be offered flights to return to their home countries. It said that remaining obstacles included the potential financial cost this would have for Argentina, going through budget cuts implemented by the Milei administration, as well as a lack of infrastructure to house and transport migrants.
Two other South American countries have reached similar deals: Paraguay and Ecuador, which are also friendly with the Trump administration. The later clarified that those sent there must have not committed crimes or have health issues.
The Trump administration is continuously looking for countries to send deportees from third countries. In October, the Central American nation of Belize also signed such an agreement.
The Belize government confirmed the deal in a statement but clarified that it “retains an absolute veto over transfers, with restrictions on nationalities, a cap on transferees, and comprehensive security screenings.” It also reiterated its “commitment to international law and humanitarian principles while ensuring strong national safeguards.”
In August, the Trump administration struck a deal with Honduras to send deportees from third countries. Concretely, it accepted to receive a few hundred deportees over a two-year period, but it opened the door to taking in more.
Originally published on Latin Times
