What the raid in Once means

Argentina’s federal police and the National Directorate of Migration carried out a more than 5-hour raid in Buenos Aires’ Once district on April 17, checking 760 people with biometric scanners tied to criminal records. Two people faced expulsion for migration irregularities and the operation hit shops, shoppers and pedestrians near Once station.

The sweep fits President Javier Milei’s tighter immigration enforcement. Officials have also been publicizing similar controls on social media, with more than 2,700 operations reported nationwide in March.

Who faces the most scrutiny

The checks target irregular migrants, undocumented foreigners and people with expired permits or record issues. Tourists with valid documents are less likely to be affected, but spot checks can still happen in busy commercial areas.

Expats and digital nomads can also draw attention if their paperwork is thin, including missing residency proof, income records or health insurance. Legal residents still need to keep their status current and avoid long gaps that can complicate entry or renewal.

What travelers should have ready

Foreign visitors should carry valid passports and residency papers and anyone applying for long-term stay should keep criminal record checks, proof of income and health insurance on file. Argentina’s digital nomad visa allows a 180-day stay and can be extended once, but it requires remote foreign income and no local work.

For the latest rules and filing steps, check the official migration site before travel and keep documents easy to show at checkpoints. Read our full Argentina guide for the complete picture and follow visa updates for more coverage.