The Argentine government has established the National Migration Agency (ANM), modeled after American law enforcement, with a goal to safeguard the country’s borders and local areas.
As reported by the Argentine newspaper La Nación, this new police unit, set to be officially introduced on Tuesday, signifies a “paradigm shift” endorsed by President Javier Millay’s administration. The government’s approach, referred to as the “Bull Rich Doctrine,” focuses on combating narco-terrorism, managing criminal organizations, and upholding public safety in Argentina.
Patricia Bullrich, currently the Minister of Security and soon to be a senator, will step down from her position on December 10 as she takes her oath. She will be succeeded by Security Secretary Alejandra Monteoliva, ensuring a smooth continuation of the current security policies.
Bullrich and Monteoliva are set to launch the national migration agency, which the Ministry of Security has described as a key component in managing the country’s border and migration policy.
An insider from Bullrich’s office disclosed to La Nación that the ANM is largely inspired by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Border Protection, and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
According to sources, the plan is to create a specialized police force operating at all of Argentina’s border crossings, a body that will oversee immigration and maintain thorough records of individuals with criminal backgrounds.
La Nación also reported that the ANM will be a “fusion model” integrating various law enforcement bodies, taking over migration management from the Ministry of Interior, while the oversight of the country’s Lenapa National Register will revert back to that ministry.
Historically, Argentina has maintained one of the more lenient immigration policies worldwide. In the 19th century, European immigration was actively promoted to aid in the country’s development.
In May, President Millay approved a proclamation tightening immigration laws, allowing for the swift deportation of criminals and restricting access to free healthcare for foreigners. A significant part of this policy aims to curb the trend of pregnant Russian women traveling to Argentina seeking citizenship, which surged in 2022 amid Russia’s conflict with Ukraine.
In June, Millay and Bullrich introduced the Federal Bureau of Investigation (DFI) in Argentina, aligning it with global standards similarly to the FBI. Bullrich emphasized that the DFI is designed to eliminate conditions where drug traffickers and criminals can move freely.
According to infobae, previously the Argentine Gendarmerie was tasked with monitoring land border crossings, while airport security managed air travel. However, the new migration police will encompass both roles.
“We need to modernize border control. It isn’t the gendarmerie’s strong suit; we must specialize in immigration,” a source familiar with the developments told Infobae.
The establishment of this new immigration police has been backed by President Milay and is part of his administration’s broader plans to enhance border control and migration oversight. Personnel for this new unit are expected to undergo training focusing on areas like terrorism and human and drug trafficking.
Importantly, while the budget for the new police has not been included in the 2026 financial plans, the government claims that existing security allocations will support the initiative.
“We just needed the political will to get it moving, and here we are. The costs are manageable; we’ll find a way,” a government official stated.
Plans are also underway to shift the Argentine Federal Police’s focus more toward criminal investigations, in line with Milay’s proposals for the DFI.
