Sheinbaum Proposes National Guard Reform to Bolster Security

President Claudia Sheinbaum has submitted a legislative initiative to the Permanent Commission of the Mexican Congress to enact a new National Guard Law, along with its corresponding secondary legislation. This proposal aims to regulate the 2024 National Guard reform, which mandated its transfer to the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA), formally militarizing the force and enhancing its institutional capabilities and operational strength.

The initiative proposes the creation of the new National Guard Law and includes amendments, additions, and repeals of various provisions within several existing laws. These include the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration, the Organic Law of the Mexican Army and Air Force, the Law of Military Education for the Mexican Army and Air Force, the Law on Promotions and Awards for the Mexican Army and Air Force, the Law of the Social Security Institute for the Mexican Armed Forces, the Law of Discipline for the Mexican Army and Air Force, the Military Justice Code, and the Military Code of Criminal Procedures.

This reinforcement is intended to bolster its public security functions in areas experiencing high levels of violence and crime, as well as in communities lacking sufficient police presence.  Beyond regulating the National Guard's operations under the Army, the reform also grants new powers to SEDENA. Specifically, it authorizes SEDENA to generate, operate, process, and utilize national security intelligence within its purview. This includes developing intelligence products and services to identify and address risks and threats to Mexico's integrity, stability, and sovereignty, and to support governance while strengthening the rule of law and government institutions.

The initiative defines the responsibilities of the head of SEDENA for organizing, equipping, educating, training, administering, and developing the National Guard, thereby solidifying its military status. It also proposes an amendment to the Organic Law of the Mexican Army and Air Force, clarifying that the National Guard's use as an Armed Force will be solely for preserving national security.

Ricardo Monreal, Parliamentary Leader for MORENA, Chamber of Deputies, stated that these reforms are part of a broader security strategy encompassing two other related laws. The overarching objective, he asserted, is to establish peace across the entire country through a comprehensive public security strategy focused on prevention, intelligence, and even international coordination, ultimately aiming to reclaim public spaces and expand development opportunities for all citizens.