Argentinian Delegation Now Sent Home After Noem Cancels Visa Ceremony

A planned advancement in US-Argentina relations hit an unexpected roadblock last week when a delegation of Argentine officials traveled to the United States.

This was for what they believed would be a key step toward reinstating Argentina in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), only to be informed upon arrival that the event had been paused.

The incident, described by a senior Trump administration official as “embarrassing,” highlights coordination challenges within the US government and lingering concerns over corruption allegations in Argentine President Javier Milei’s administration.

The VWP allows citizens from participating countries to travel to the United States for up to 90 days without a visa for tourism or business.

Argentina was previously part of the program but was removed in 2002 due to economic instability and security concerns.

Efforts to revive the partnership gained momentum in July 2025 when US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem visited Buenos Aires and signed a “statement of intent” with Argentine officials to work toward Argentina’s reentry.

This preliminary accord aimed to enhance border security cooperation, including Argentina’s agreement to transition from Chinese-made customs systems to US vendors, according to sources familiar with the discussions.

Internal US Tensions Derail Progress

However, the July agreement was signed without prior consultation with Secretary of State and National Security Adviser Marco Rubio, leading to internal friction.

Sources indicated that Rubio was “blindsided” and “annoyed” by the move, prompting him and White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles to issue an August 8, 2025, memo mandating that all international engagements be cleared through the National Security Council (NSC) beforehand.

The memo emphasized: “Any proposed agreements, directives or demands involving foreign leaders or countries must be notified, coordinated and approved through the interagency process at the White House, via the NSC.

No commitments or statements binding the United States may be made without prior NSC approval.”

Building on this, an Argentine delegation, led by Juan Pazo, head of Argentina’s tax and customs agency (ARCA), flew from Buenos Aires to Miami last week, en route to Washington, D.C., for what was anticipated to be a signing ceremony.

Upon landing in Miami, DHS officials advised them not to proceed, citing that the agreement was “missing a signature” and expressing US concerns over a corruption scandal in Milei’s government.

The group spent two days in Miami before returning home without any progress.

A senior Trump administration official remarked, “Let’s just say this was not a great look from us.

It’s embarrassing,” attributing the snafu to a lack of communication from Noem’s office.

Sources suggest Noem was aware of the pause due to Rubio’s incomplete approval but failed to notify the Argentine side in advance.

DHS Pushes Back on Reporting

The Department of Homeland Security has pushed back against reports of a miscommunication.

In a statement on X, DHS posted: “What’s actually ’embarrassing’ is for Axios to call this journalism.

As we told them there was no new or additional visa waiver program related document pending a signature with Argentina.

DHS looks forward to working with Argentinian officials going forward.”

A senior DHS official reiterated, “There is no new or additional VWP-related document pending signature with Argentina.

We look forward to working with them going forward.”

After initial reports, another DHS official claimed a different agreement was intended for signing but could not clarify the confusion over the visa waiver expectations.

Argentina’s Response and Ongoing Cooperation

Argentina’s government press office declined to discuss details of private diplomatic conversations, referring inquiries back to DHS.

Both sides have affirmed ongoing positive collaboration, with Noem previously stating in July: “Under President Javier Milei’s leadership, Argentina is becoming an even stronger friend to the United States — more committed than ever to border security for both of our nations.”

The delay is partly linked to US hesitations over corruption allegations in Milei’s inner circle.

In August 2025, leaked audio recordings allegedly captured Diego Spagnuolo, then-head of Argentina’s disability agency, discussing bribery schemes with references to payments involving Karina Milei, the president’s sister and chief of staff.

Milei fired Spagnuolo and denounced the recordings as fabricated.

A federal judge in Argentina subsequently barred the publication of additional audios attributed to Karina Milei, amid claims of an “operation of illegal intelligence” aimed at destabilizing the government during an election campaign.

Rubio’s team reportedly seeks further discussions with Argentina before proceeding, given these issues.

Political Context and Future Prospects

This setback comes at a challenging time for Milei, who has aligned closely with US President Donald Trump, even calling him his “favorite president.”

Milei’s administration faces midterm elections in October 2025, preceded by local votes in Buenos Aires province on September 7, 2025, where his party holds a minority position.

The visa waiver pause adds to political pressures as Milei seeks to bolster his domestic standing through international wins.

Despite the hiccup, US-Argentina ties have warmed under Trump and Milei, with shared emphases on border security and economic reforms.

Officials from both countries express optimism about future cooperation, though the timeline for Argentina’s VWP reentry remains uncertain.

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