The government of the province of Salta, Argentina, has announced the construction of a 200-meter fence in the city of Aguas Blancas, located on the border with Bolivia, as part of a new policy on migration control and combating cross-border crimes. The measure was determined by the administration of President Javier Milei and is part of the Güemes Plan, a strategic program aimed at strengthening security in the border regions of the country’s north.
The fence, designed to be robust and imposing, will be made of steel and supported by concrete posts. With a height of 2.8 meters and barbed wire on top, the barrier will extend from the Aguas Blancas bus terminal to the immigration checkpoint connecting the Argentine city to the Bolivian city of Bermejo. The main goal is to curb the irregular entry of immigrants, combat illicit practices such as smuggling and trafficking of goods, and reinforce territorial sovereignty.
According to the governor of Salta, Gustavo Sáenz, the measure is essential to ensure more effective management of migration in the region and improve local security. “With this infrastructure, we will offer better conditions for orderly and safe migration, preventing illegal activities and strengthening the local economy by protecting our borders,” Sáenz said in an official statement. The governor also explained that the fence will be accompanied by enhanced surveillance, with coordinated efforts from multiple security forces. This integration will allow authorities to monitor movements in the region and respond quickly to potential risks.
The Minister of Security, Patricia Bullrich, expressed full support for the initiative, emphasizing that the northern border of the country was “completely out of control.” Bullrich highlighted the importance of the measure to restore order and reaffirm the Argentine government’s commitment to protecting its borders.
The construction of the fence is scheduled to be put out for bidding in March 2025, according to information released by the provincial administration of Salta. The project will be funded with federal and local resources, and its implementation will be closely monitored by security authorities to ensure the barrier’s effectiveness in combating illicit practices.
While the Argentine government presents the measure as a solution to security and migration issues, the announcement has raised concerns in the Bolivian government, which criticized the unilateral decision and expressed a desire to address the matter diplomatically.
In an official statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bolivia stated that “border issues should be addressed through established bilateral dialogue mechanisms between states to find coordinated solutions to common challenges.” The Bolivian government, led by President Luis Arce, warned that unilateral actions, such as the installation of the fence, could negatively affect bilateral relations and harm the peaceful coexistence between the two peoples.
The Bolivian Foreign Ministry also stated that it would request detailed information from the Argentine government through official diplomatic channels. The goal is to better understand the impacts of the measure and assess possible responses. The statement emphasized that Bolivia values regional integration and dialogue as ways to overcome cross-border challenges and preserve the historical ties between the countries.
The region between Aguas Blancas and Bermejo is known for the intense movement of people and goods, making it a key point for the informal economy and social interaction between the two sides of the border. For decades, the relationship between Argentine and Bolivian communities has been marked by trade and cultural exchanges, creating significant economic interdependence.
However, the area is also a hotspot for illicit practices, such as drug trafficking and smuggling, which has raised concerns among successive Argentine governments. The installation of the fence aims to address these issues, but it may cause social tensions, especially for local workers who depend on daily cross-border traffic to support their families.
Although presented as a practical solution to security problems, Argentina’s measure could lead to broader diplomatic repercussions. International relations experts warn that the construction of physical barriers at borders generally symbolizes a tightening of migration policies and may be perceived as a hostile action, especially in regions with histories of integration and cooperation, such as Mercosur.
Bolivia, in turn, may seek alternatives to respond to the Argentine initiative. In addition to requesting detailed explanations, the Bolivian government may bring the issue to regional forums, such as Mercosur or UNASUR, to discuss the viability of unilateral measures that impact migration and economic flows in the region.
The installation of the fence also raises broader debates about how to balance territorial sovereignty and national security with the principles of regional integration and good neighborliness. Depending on the developments, the measure could either consolidate President Milei’s position on national security or create new political and social tensions between the neighboring countries.
Amid these discussions, residents of Aguas Blancas and Bermejo continue to watch the events with apprehension, concerned about the impact the barrier will have on their daily lives and economic activities. Initially seen as a security issue, the installation of the fence is becoming a symbol of tensions that go beyond the physical border, touching on diplomatic, social, and economic issues deeply rooted in the historical relationship between Argentina and Bolivia.
Argentina’s decision to install a fence on the border with Bolivia reflects President Javier Milei’s more rigid stance on security and migration control. Although presented as a solution to combat smuggling and ensure more orderly migration, the measure has triggered legitimate concerns about its social, economic, and diplomatic impacts. The border between Aguas Blancas and Bermejo, historically marked by cooperation, now becomes a stage for tensions where sovereignty interests and regional integration come into conflict.
Diplomatic dialogue between the two countries will be essential to prevent further deterioration of bilateral relations and to find solutions that balance security with respect for peaceful coexistence. Meanwhile, local communities, who depend on this cross-border flow for their livelihoods, anxiously await the developments of this decision.
The installation of the fence could mark a shift in Argentina’s border policy, but it also serves as a reminder of the challenges of managing cross-border issues in a globalized context. Only through dialogue and cooperation will it be possible to find a path that meets security needs without compromising the values of integration and solidarity among nations.
