Argentina cancels residency and deports Brazilian journalist Rogério Tomaz Jr

Argentine migration authorities have canceled the permanent residency of Brazilian journalist Rogério Tomaz Jr. and banned him from re-entering the country for five years. The decision was enforced at Aeroparque Jorge Newbery as Tomaz attempted to enter Argentina to conduct interviews for a book regarding the administration of President Javier Milei.

The National Directorate of Migrations justified the measure by citing non-compliance with residency requirements, noting that Tomaz had only spent 153 days in the country since obtaining residency in January 2022 and lacked verifiable proof of employment, studies, or established ties. Tomaz, who is linked to Brazil's Workers' Party (PT), disputes these claims, arguing he maintained frequent travel to Argentina and that the decision is politically motivated following his vocal criticism of President Milei and various government officials on social media.

The incident has sparked tension between the journalist and the Argentine administration. Presidential advisor Santiago Caputo and other officials reacted to the news on social media, while Tomaz characterized the deportation as a “trophy” and a sign of increasing authoritarianism in Argentina.