Argentinian President Javier Milei has signed an emergency decree to prohibit the entry and authorize the expulsion of foreigners who direct or incite hate speech against Argentinians.
The decree allows for the expulsion of foreign nationals who promote messages of hatred, discrimination, or violence based on Argentinian nationality, whether spoken or written. It also includes measures against those who insult or desecrate Argentinian national patriotic symbols.
The Argentinian government stated the decree was a response to 'recent displays of hostility towards the Argentine Republic and Argentinians.' The official document did not identify specific events.
Context of the decree
The measures appear to address a surge of online criticism directed at Argentina during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico.
FIFA opened disciplinary action against the Argentinian Football Association following the display of a banner regarding the Falkland Islands, an area administered by Britain but claimed by Argentina. The Association is also under investigation for discriminatory chants, gestures, delayed kick-offs, security failures, and objects thrown by supporters.
Individual players and officials are also involved in investigations. Leandro Paredes, Nahuel Molina, and official Roberto Ayala are under investigation for alleged assault, while Molina, Thiago Almada, and Spain’s Gavi are under investigation for alleged unsporting behavior.
Diplomatic tensions
The decree follows growing diplomatic tensions between Argentina and Brazil. President Javier Milei has made repeated verbal attacks against Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.
President Milei has argued that there is a global campaign against Argentina, blaming Brazil, Mexico, and the US Democratic Party, though he has offered no evidence for this accusation.