Security concerns rise in Mar del Plata and Antofagasta

In Mar del Plata, Argentina, various business chambers, professional entities, and civil organizations have issued an urgent call to political leaders to prioritize security. The communiqué highlights a significant rise in violence, noting that the city recorded 25 intentional homicides during the first half of 2026, a nearly 47% increase compared to the 17 homicides recorded during the same period in 2025. Additionally, reports from the Municipal Center for Strategic Crime Analysis (CeMAED) indicate a 31% increase in robberies and thefts against businesses during the second quarter of 2026.

In Antofagasta, Chile, the Regional Ministerial Secretariat of Government has launched a series of citizen dialogues to implement the Agenda Against Organized Crime and Terrorism (ACOT). This initiative, promoted by the administration of President José Antonio Kast, aims to engage neighborhood councils and social organizations to discuss security priorities. The ACOT agenda includes legal and constitutional measures such as strengthening police capabilities, creating new tools to combat criminal organizations, improving the seizure of illicit assets, and implementing constitutional reforms regarding public security.