Argentina transfers most Villa Devoto inmates to Marcos Paz

Argentina's Federal Penitentiary Service is nearing the definitive closure of the Villa Devoto prison in Buenos Aires. More than 93% of the inmates, approximately 1,400 people, have been transferred to the new Federal Penitentiary Complex VIII in Marcos Paz. Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva described the operation as a historic reorganization of federal prison infrastructure.

However, the transition has faced scrutiny. A report from the Institutional Violence Prosecutor's Office (PROCUVIN) indicates that the federal prison system is experiencing a 6.6% overpopulation rate, with 12,301 detainees recorded in September 2026 against a capacity of 11,534.

Additionally, Deputy Horacio Pietragalla has called for urgent legislative inspections of the Marcos Paz facility following complaints from inmates' families regarding food, medical supplies, and general living conditions. There are also allegations that the National Committee for the Prevention of Torture has been denied access to the new complex.