Overview
- Thiago Ávila, detained Tuesday at Buenos Aires’ Aeroparque Jorge Newbery, was refused entry and held under a deportation order, according to his entourage.
- Authorities from the national migration and security agencies gave no reason for the non-admission, an administrative step that lets border officials block entry and deport without publicly disclosing evidence.
- Immigration officers told Ávila there was an alert on his passport, admitted his wife and child, and said he was not welcome in Argentina.
- The local launch of the Global Sumud Flotilla’s Argentina chapter was postponed, while organizers say the broader mission is set to depart Barcelona on April 12 with more than 100 boats and roughly 3,000 participants.
- Left-wing leaders and social groups denounced persecution and claimed the order was political, while a deputy cited talk of “false tourism” and flotilla organizers reported unverified alerts alleging support for terrorism.