FBI Deputy Assistant Director Andrew Bailey met in Argentina with U.S. Ambassador Peter Lamelas and officials from SIDE and the National Counterterrorism Center (CNA). According to the FBI, the goal was to «strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organized crime abroad» and to «stop threats» before they reach the United States.
The CNA and its regulatory framework
The CNA was created by Decree 717/2025, signed by President Javier Milei and then-Chief of Cabinet Guillermo Francos. The decree establishes that SIDE directs the center and assists it with human and budgetary resources. Its functions include requesting information from public and private institutions, preparing reports on terrorism, and entering into agreements with foreign entities.
The formal inauguration of the CNA took place on April 16, 2026, with the presence of U.S. authorities. At that event, Intelligence Secretary Cristian Auguadra mentioned a cooperation agreement with the FBI, the text of which was not published in the Official Gazette nor submitted to Congress.
Parliamentary request for reports
National deputies presented a draft resolution to request information from the Executive Branch about the agreement with the FBI. The request, signed by Juan Grabois, Jorge Taiana, and Adriana Serquis, requires knowing the date of signing, the signing authorities, the purpose and scope, whether it includes exchange of data on Argentine citizens, and whether it was submitted for review by the Bicameral Commission for Oversight of Intelligence Agencies and Activities, in accordance with Law No. 25,520.
The project also requests the CNA’s organizational chart, including personnel, member agencies, foreign agencies it operates with, and data classification and usage protocols. Additionally, it asks for details on technology contracts in the domestic security system, specifically with companies providing facial recognition, big data, and artificial intelligence, and asks whether the Ministry of National Security or the CNA maintains contracts with Palantir Technologies Inc.
Reactions from China
The Chinese Embassy in Argentina issued statements criticizing the United States, coinciding with the strengthening of SIDE-FBI cooperation. In April, after the inauguration of the CNA, it accused Lamelas of maintaining a «Cold War» mentality. In July, after Bailey’s visit, Beijing described Washington’s warnings about Huawei as a «serious disrespect for the sovereignty of other countries.»
The dispute reflects the tug-of-war between Washington and Beijing for technological and strategic influence in Argentina, while Javier Milei’s government deepens its alignment with the United States without closing commercial relations with China.
Documents and open questions
| Document | What it establishes | What it does not establish | Open questions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Decree 717/2025 | Creates the CNA, defines its dependence on SIDE and its general functions. | Does not mention specific agreements with the FBI or operational details. | What is the text of the agreement with the FBI? Was it approved by Congress? |
| Draft resolution (Deputies) | Requests information on the agreement, technology contracts, and memorandums with Israel. | Does not provide concrete data on the agreements. | What response will the Executive give? Will the agreement be published? |
| Statements from the Chinese Embassy | Express criticism of U.S. warnings about Huawei and SIDE-FBI cooperation. | Do not detail concrete measures beyond statements. | Will there be commercial retaliation? How will it affect the bilateral relationship? |
What to watch
The key point to watch is the Executive Branch’s response to the parliamentary request for reports. It will determine whether the content of the FBI agreement, its legal framework, and whether it was subject to congressional oversight will be known. It is also relevant to see if the government publishes the text of the agreement in the Official Gazette, as required by law. The evolution of the dispute with China, especially regarding Huawei and technological infrastructure, will be another point of attention.
Fuentes consultadas
- LA NACION
- rest.hcdn.gob.ar Fuente primaria
- La Derecha Diario
El Sereno contrastó las fuentes enlazadas y añadió contexto, comparación o análisis documental. Las fuentes primarias están identificadas. La nota no se presenta como investigación de campo ni como entrevista propia, salvo indicación expresa.
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