Deputies Approve National Guard Reform

The Chamber of Deputies has approved constitutional reforms that grant new powers to the National Guard, fully integrating it under the Army and the Ministry of National Defense to oversee security in Mexico. Despite the opposition's 433 reservations to amend the proposal, the majority coalition of MORENA, PT, and PVEM signaled their intent to reject any changes and send the legislation to the Senate.

With a qualified majority of 362 votes in favor, 133 against, and no abstentions, deputies endorsed President López Obrador's proposal. The reform specifies that while criminal investigations will primarily be led by the Public Prosecutor's Office, the National Guard will also have investigative authority. Furthermore, it mandates coordination among the Public Prosecutor's Office and police institutions at all government levels to achieve public security objectives, establishing the National Public Security System.

Ricardo Monreal, Coordinator, MORENA, celebrated the reform, asserting it will reduce violence and insecurity while empowering the state and incoming president Claudia Sheinbaum. “This reform formalizes a reality that already exists: the integration of the National Guard into the Ministry of National Defense, ensuring an institution characterized by training, discipline, control, and unquestionable order,” added Ricardo Sóstenes Mejía Berdeja, Deputy, PT.

Conversely, Blanca Gutiérrez, Deputy, PAN, argued that the reform undermines public security and threatens human rights. “Under military command, security decisions will follow a war-like logic, prioritizing the use of force and distorting the preventive approach, essential in a democracy.” Previously, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights in Mexico urged Congress not to approve the reform, advocating for a legislative focus on prioritizing civilian approaches to security rather than increasing military involvement.