La Salada Vendors Protest Market Closure in Argentina: A Tense Standoff at Puente La Noria

La Salada Vendors Protest Market Closure in Argentina A tense situation unfolded at Puente La Noria in Buenos Aires, Argentina on June 2, 2025, as workers from the La Salada flea market staged a protest. The protest follows the recent arrest of the market's owner, Jorge Castillo, and the subsequent closure of the market. Hundreds of vendors gathered, voicing their concerns and demands. "We are single mothers, and this is our only source of income," stated one vendor, highlighting the economic hardship faced by many. Another protester added, "They're trying to repress us, but we need to work to feed our families." The protesters' signs read "We need to work" and "La Salada needs to reopen." The video footage from C5N shows a significant police presence, with officers in riot gear forming a line between the protesters and the closed market. The vendors' desperation and the police's measured response create a palpable tension in the video. The protest raises questions about the balance between law enforcement and the economic livelihoods of vulnerable workers. The ongoing situation at La Salada underscores the need for dialogue and solutions that address both legal concerns and the economic needs of the community. A path forward must be found that protects the rule of law while also safeguarding the livelihoods of those who depend on the market.