The incidents occurred on Thursday near the National Congress, where demonstrators gathered to call for greater financial support for public universities, local newspaper La Nación reported Friday. Those detained included two minors, Anadolu Agency reported.
Police used tear gas and water cannons during the clashes. Eight security personnel were also injured.
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The demonstration was organized by university unions, the National Interuniversity Council and the Argentine University Federation.
Organizers called on the government to implement legislation guaranteeing funding for public universities, including provisions covering staff salaries and student scholarships.
The central rally ended earlier than planned, at around 4:40 p.m. local time, because of heavy rain and clashes in the surrounding area, La Nación reported.
Organizers condemned the police response and renewed their demand for the government to comply with the funding law.
Security Minister Alejandra Monteoliva defended the police operation in a post on X, saying that the right to demonstrate did not justify violence. She warned that those who attacked security personnel or damaged public property would face legal consequences.
Authorities estimated that damage to public infrastructure around Congress amounted to 90 million Argentine pesos, equivalent to approximately $59,376, according to La Nación.
The protest comes amid a prolonged dispute between Milei’s government and public universities over funding. University representatives have warned that budget constraints are reducing staff purchasing power and weakening student support.
The government has pursued austerity measures to cut public spending, prompting repeated demonstrations by university staff and students seeking greater resources for public higher education.
