Will Deported Migrants Be Sent to Argentina? Marco Rubio Sends Unexpected Signal on Migration Talks

Deported migrants could be sent to Argentina

Argentina as a potential migration partner

Rubio denies a finalized deal

Washington reignited the migration debate following a statement that surprised observers both inside and outside the United States.

Amid the deportation policies promoted by President Donald Trump, Secretary of State Marco Rubio left open the possibility that Argentina could become a destination for third-country migrants expelled from U.S. territory.

Although he stressed that no agreement has been finalized, his remarks confirmed that the issue is already on the diplomatic table, fueling discussion around Argentina migrant deportation talks.

Evaluating the Reception of Migrants Deported From the United States

Will Deported Migrants Be Sent to Argentina? – EFE/EPA/WILL OLIVER

Marco Rubio admite contactos con Argentina sobre migrantes deportados

During a press conference in Washington, Rubio acknowledged that his administration has held conversations with countries willing to accept individuals who cannot be deported directly to their countries of origin.

In that context, he explicitly mentioned Argentina as a strategic partner, while attempting to downplay reports suggesting an imminent deal.

“We have had conversations about countries willing to accept third-country nationals, but we have no agreement or anything finalized. I know this has been the subject of media leaks, and sometimes those leaks have malicious intentions, but without a doubt, Argentina is a great partner in every respect,” Rubio said during the briefing.

The remarks came after The New York Times reported in January that the Trump administration and the government of Argentine President Javier Milei were engaged in advanced talks to finalize a migration agreement.

The Plan That Would Allow Migrants to Be Sent to Argentina From the U.S.

According to the U.S. newspaper’s report, a potential agreement would allow the United States to send foreign nationals to Argentina, where they would later be given the option to return to their countries of origin.

Washington has used similar arrangements in the past as an alternative way to fulfill promises of large-scale deportations, particularly when migrants’ home countries refuse to receive them or fail to cooperate with repatriation processes.

This strategy allows the U.S. government to bypass legal or diplomatic obstacles tied to direct deportations.

Strategic Relationship With the United States Under Scrutiny

Rubio also used the occasion to praise the bilateral relationship with Argentina’s government and to express confidence in President Milei’s leadership, even considering the potential domestic political costs of accepting deported migrants from the United States.

“Argentina is a great partner. We have enormous confidence in our relationship with President Milei and his team, and he will always act in the best interest of the Argentine people and this country’s national interest,” the U.S. diplomat emphasized.

Analysts agree that such an agreement could strengthen ties between Buenos Aires and Washington, but it may also trigger internal political tensions in Argentina, particularly amid a complex economic and social environment.

Critical Minerals, China, and Argentina’s Key Role

Rubio’s statements followed a ministerial meeting on critical minerals held in Washington, attended by representatives from more than 50 countries.

The meeting aimed to strengthen supply chains and reduce dependence on China in strategic sectors.

When asked about Argentina’s role in this effort, Rubio highlighted the South American country’s potential as a key player in the global minerals market.

“Argentina has the capacity, from a natural resources standpoint, to be a key partner in critical minerals—not just for the United States, but for the entire world. It also has processing experience, which I believe will be vital as well,” the secretary said.

For now, no agreement has been signed, but Rubio’s comments confirm that sending deported migrants to Argentina is already part of high-level diplomatic discussions between both governments—keeping Argentina migrant deportation talks firmly in the spotlight.