FBI Deputy Assistant Director visits Argentina to boost counterterrorism cooperation

A high-ranking FBI official visited Argentina to bolster international cooperation in combating terrorism and organized crime. Andrew Bailey, the FBI's Deputy Assistant Director, met with U.S. Ambassador Peter Lamelas and senior officials from Argentina's State Intelligence Secretariat (SIDE) and the National Counterterrorism Center (CNA).

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Defending the homeland requires strength beyond our borders.

The primary objective of the meeting was to "strengthen cooperation in the fight against terrorism and organized crime abroad" and to "stop threats" before they reach U.S. soil, according to the FBI. The agency highlighted Bailey's visit on social media, stating, "Defending the homeland requires strength beyond our borders."

Cristian Auguadra, Secretary of State Intelligence, emphasized the historical ties between SIDE and the FBI, noting that the creation of the CNA is a significant outcome of their joint efforts. "The SIDE and the FBI maintain a historic link that we have deepened with concrete actions in this administration. The creation of the National Counterterrorism Center with the FBI represents a fundamental step in this relationship and allows us to incorporate the experience and best practices of one of the most important agencies in the world," Auguadra said.

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The SIDE and the FBI maintain a historic link that we have deepened with concrete actions in this administration. The creation of the National Counterterrorism Center with the FBI represents a fundamental step in this relationship and allows us to incorporate the experience and best practices of one of the most important agencies in the world.

Auguadra further described the CNA as the central tool for Argentina's state to coordinate counterterrorism efforts, marking it as the first of its kind in Latin America. He added that the cooperation with the FBI enhances the National Intelligence System's capacity to anticipate threats and protect Argentine citizens, stressing that "terrorism knows no borders and confronting it requires cooperation, information exchange, and coordination between states."

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The CNA is today the central tool of the Argentine state to coordinate the prevention of terrorism and the first of its kind in Latin America.

The CNA was established in October of the previous year via Decree 717/2025 and inaugurated alongside the FBI. Its purpose is to integrate, analyze, and share information among its members, design strategies, and establish effective coordination criteria in the fight against terrorism. The decree, signed by President Javier Milei and then-Chief of Staff Guillermo Francos, designates SIDE as the center's director, providing necessary human and budgetary resources.

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The cooperation between SIDE and the FBI strengthens the capabilities of the National Intelligence System to anticipate threats and protect Argentines. Terrorism knows no borders and confronting it requires cooperation, information exchange, and coordination between states. The link we are building with the FBI allows us to be better prepared for a threat that is global.