On April 16, 2025, President Javier Milei’s administration officially commemorated the 146th anniversary of the Desert Campaign, a military operation initiated in 1879 under the leadership of then Minister of War and Navy, General Julio Argentino Roca. The campaign aimed to expand Argentina’s sovereignty over territories in the south, particularly in the Patagonia region, which were then inhabited by indigenous communities. The government emphasized the campaign’s role in consolidating national sovereignty and laying the foundations for the modern Argentine state.

The Desert Campaign remains a subject of intense debate within Argentina. While some view it as a necessary step in nation-building, others criticize it for the violent displacement and suffering inflicted upon indigenous populations. President Milei’s decision to honor this event has reignited discussions about historical memory and the complexities of Argentina’s past.​

Julio Argentino Roca, who later served twice as President of Argentina, is a polarizing figure. His supporters credit him with unifying the country and promoting development, while detractors accuse him of orchestrating actions that led to the decimation of indigenous cultures. The current administration’s homage to Roca underscores its commitment to a particular interpretation of national history.​

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