# Argentina prison transfers from Devoto to Marcos Paz

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-prison-transfers-from-devoto-to-marcos-paz
> Updated: 2026-10-10T22:15:21.000Z. Sources: 21. Developments: 2.

The Argentine national government and the City of Buenos Aires have initiated a plan to transfer approximately 1,500 inmates from the Villa Devoto prison to the Federal Penitentiary Complex VIII in Marcos Paz. This operation is part of the “Ley y Orden” (Law and Order) Plan, which seeks to permanently close the Devoto facility to facilitate urban redevelopment and the creation of green spaces.

The transfer process has officially commenced, with the first group of 326 detainees moved under a heavy security presence. To manage the logistics and prevent incidents such as escapes or riots, a Federal Unified Command has been established, coordinating federal, city, and provincial security forces, including the Federal Police, Gendarmerie, Airport Security Police, Naval Prefecture, and the Federal Penitentiary Service (SPF).

Authorities are conducting the relocation gradually, prioritizing the criminological profiles of inmates to ensure safety during transit. Officials, including Buenos Aires City Chief Jorge Macri and National Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva, have described the operation as “historic.”

The goal is to complete the relocation of all Devoto inmates by the end of the year, though officials noted the process may be temporarily paused in November during a scheduled visit by Pope Leo XIV to Argentina. The new facility in Marcos Paz covers 80 hectares and features four modern maximum-security units with a total capacity for 2,232 detainees. Once the Devoto transfers are finalized, officials also intend to move approximately 350 inmates currently held in local police stations and precincts to the new complex.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-10: Villa Devoto prison inmates begin transfer to Marcos Paz complex

Authorities in Argentina have started the gradual transfer of 1,500 inmates from the Villa Devoto prison to a new maximum-security complex in Marcos Paz to facilitate the closure of the historic facility.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/argentina-begins-prisoner-transfers-from-devoto-to-marcos-paz

### 2026-10-06: Argentina begins plan to transfer Devoto inmates to Marcos Paz

Argentina's national and city governments have agreed to transfer 1,500 inmates from Devoto prison to the Marcos Paz complex by year-end as part of the “Ley y Orden” Plan.

13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/venado-tuerto-justice-and-security-complex-reaches-75-completion

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Cite as: Argentina prison transfers from Devoto to Marcos Paz. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/argentina-prison-transfers-from-devoto-to-marcos-paz