The Mexican Senate has approved a significant constitutional reform that assigns the National Guard to the Ministry of National Defense (Sedena), marking a pivotal shift in the nation's security strategy. The initiative, presented by outgoing President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, received overwhelming support in the Senate with 86 votes in favor and 42 against, following extensive discussions that lasted over eight hours. This reform aims to place the National Guard under military jurisdiction, allowing the President to deploy the Army, Air Force, National Guard, and Navy for public security tasks routinely.
The reform is part of López Obrador's broader security plan initiated when he took office in December 2018. The National Guard was established in May 2019 as a civilian security institution but has faced criticism for its militarized operations. Critics, including opposition senators and human rights organizations, argue that this move threatens human rights and reflects a failed security strategy. They contend that effective security should focus on justice and opportunities rather than military presence.
The approval of this reform is a culmination of efforts by the Morena party and its allies to gain a supermajority in Congress, enabling them to push through significant changes despite opposition concerns. The next step for the reform is ratification by more than half of Mexico's state congresses. The incoming president, Claudia Sheinbaum, has expressed support for the reform, countering claims that it will lead to increased militarization of public security.
- The reform's passage is particularly controversial as it comes at a time when Mexico grapples with widespread violence and crime. Critics argue that the militarization of security forces could exacerbate human rights abuses, particularly given the military's historical record in civilian matters. Proponents of the reform, however, argue that it is essential for ensuring the National Guard's integrity and effectiveness in combating crime, especially in a country plagued by drug-related violence.
- The National Guard was initially created to replace the Federal Police, which had been disbanded due to corruption allegations. López Obrador's administration has emphasized the need for a strong and accountable security force, suggesting that military oversight will prevent the corruption that plagued previous institutions. The debate around this reform highlights the ongoing tension in Mexico between civil rights and public safety, as the nation seeks solutions to its security crisis.
