In a bold move reinforcing his 'law and order' policy, Buenos Aires City Mayor Jorge Macri announced the closure of two construction material depots supplying the La Carbonilla shantytown. The action, posted on social media this Friday, aims to halt illegal building in the area, sending a clear message to informal developers.

The head of the Government of the City of Buenos Aires, Jorge Macri, has once again set the tone for his administration with a forceful message on social media. This Friday, August 14, 2026, the mayor announced the closure of two construction material depots operating near the La Carbonilla shantytown in the southern part of the city, declaring: 'Not one more square meter will be built.'

The announcement on social media

On his official X account (formerly Twitter), Macri posted at 09:30 AM a message that quickly became a trending topic in local political conversation. The tweet, combining urban control action with a strong political statement, reads: 'In La Carbonilla, not one more square meter will be built. We closed two depots that supplied the shantytown. Law and order.'

The post reflects the continuity of the 'law and order' policy that the city mayor has been implementing in urban planning and security, with a special focus on curbing illegal construction in informal settlements and shantytowns across the city.

Key facts
  • Date: August 14, 2026
  • Time: 09:30 AM
  • Location: La Carbonilla shantytown, Buenos Aires City
  • Action: Closure of 2 construction depots

What are 'corralones' and why they matter

In Argentina, corralones are warehouses or depots that sell construction materials such as bricks, cement, and steel. They often operate in peripheral areas and are crucial for supplying informal builders in shantytowns, where construction frequently occurs without proper permits. By shutting them down, the city government aims to cut the supply chain that fuels illegal building.

The La Carbonilla shantytown, located in the southern part of Buenos Aires, is one of the oldest and most densely populated informal settlements in the area. The measure announced by Macri is part of a broader territorial reorganization plan designed to curb uncontrolled growth and regularize land tenure.

While the closure of the depots represents a direct blow to the logistics of informal construction, sources close to the mayor indicated that control and survey operations will continue in the area. The promise of 'not building one more square meter' aims to discourage new occupations and create a framework of urban predictability.

The measure has already sparked mixed reactions. While some sectors celebrate the firmness of the state, social organizations and community leaders in the shantytown warn about the need to address housing issues with comprehensive policies that include decent housing and access to basic services, beyond punitive actions.

For more information, you can follow the official account of Jorge Macri on X.