The United States and Argentina are in advanced discussions about a pact that would allow U.S. authorities to deport immigrants originating from other countries to Argentina, the New York Times reported on Friday.
According to the report, Argentine officials are working to conclude the third-country agreement with the United States within the month. Reuters could not independently verify the New York Times account.
A U.S. State Department spokesperson declined to comment on the report, and Argentina's foreign ministry did not immediately reply to a request for comment.
Such a third-country arrangement with Argentina would support President Donald Trump's broader objective of deporting millions of immigrants who are in the United States illegally. The Trump administration has sought to expand removals to third countries, naming a range of potential destinations including South Sudan, Eswatini, El Salvador, Costa Rica and Panama.
Argentina has traditionally maintained a relatively open approach to immigration. However, the country's current president, Javier Milei - described in the report as a close ally of President Trump - has pursued policies aimed at tightening immigration controls. Those measures include intensified enforcement against individuals with criminal records and a requirement that incoming travelers hold health insurance coverage.
The report indicates Argentine officials are moving to finalize terms of the deal this month, but offers no additional detail on implementation, legal arrangements, timelines, or the categories of migrants who might be affected. Official comments from the U.S. and Argentine governments remain limited, with no new confirmations provided publicly at the time of the report.
The reported negotiations form part of a broader U.S. strategy to ramp up removals to third countries. The list of other nations the administration has considered for such transfers, as reported, spans multiple regions and includes both Central American countries and more distant states.
Given the limited public detail provided so far, key questions about operational procedures, oversight, and the legal basis for transfers remain unanswered pending any formal announcement or publication of agreement text.