In the province of Buenos Aires, a series of violent events have been recorded, highlighting the severe economic and social crisis facing the region. In areas like González Catán, Lomas del Mirador, Isidro Casanova, and Moreno, insecurity has reached critical levels. Specifically, in Moreno and certain neighborhoods like Gregorio de Laferrere, Puerta de Hierro, and Virrey del Pino, they have been identified as hotspots of violence, with gangs involved in drug trafficking and settling scores operating without effective intervention from the authorities.
During January 2024, the region was shaken by a bloody weekend that highlighted the gravity of the situation, with nine homicides in two days under the jurisdiction of prosecutor Adrián Arribas. Municipalities like José C. Paz, Avellaneda, Quilmes, and San Miguel have also been affected. In the past year, 1,896 investigations for intentional homicides were opened in the province, leading the community to demand concrete measures to stop the wave of crime.
The lack of response from authorities has plunged the residents of Greater Buenos Aires into a desperate situation, with La Matanza being the most violent district in the region. Alarming data shows an increase in the homicide rate, with a prevalent use of firearms and a high percentage of female victims in femicide cases. The death of Lucas Aguilar, a young delivery person killed during a robbery attempt in 2024, triggered massive protests highlighting the growing social concern.
In La Matanza, promises to reinforce guards in local prosecutor's offices and coordinate operations with federal forces have yet to yield significant results. Mayor Mariel Fernández has been criticized for a management considered insufficient in the face of escalating violence. In this context, President Javier Milei has instituted the "Common Man's Valor Award" in honor of Aguilar, seeking to highlight the sacrifice of those who defend others, although this symbolic gesture does not address the urgent security needs of the population.
