Mexico City. After an extensive debate lasting over seven and a half hours, the plenary session of the Chamber of Deputies approved, in general terms, a constitutional reform that transfers the operational and administrative control of the National Guard (GN) back to the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena). This reform also empowers legislators to create an internal security law that governs military involvement in this area.
The reform received general approval with 362 votes from Morena and its allies, while the opposition cast 133 votes against it.
Only five deputies were absent from the session, including three from Morena: Chamber President Ifigenia Martínez, Magaly Armenta, and former Ayotzinapa teacher Manuel Vázquez Arellano, as well as PAN members Amparo Oliva and Julia Jiménez.
The discussion, which was delayed until noon due to an earthquake drill that occurred at 11 am, showcased the contrasting positions of Morena and its allies, who argued that the initiative strengthens the GN’s capabilities and its coordination with the Army, against the opposition’s stance that the ruling party is exacerbating the country’s militarization, posing risks to human rights.
At the session’s outset, three suspensive motions from MC, PRI, and PAN calling for the ruling to be returned to committees were rejected, leading to the commencement of speaker presentations. The format entailed six interventions from each political group, followed by four rounds of speeches for and against the project, each featuring a roster of 12 speakers.
The majority argued that aligning the GN with Sedena “will create a strong and coordinated structure,” essential for addressing the threats posed by organized crime, all while maintaining civilian oversight and preventing past excesses associated with other security organizations, particularly the now-defunct Federal Police.
From their seats and the platform, deputies from Morena, PT, and PVEM displayed banners with words like “Capacity,” “Discipline,” and “Trust,” emphasizing that the GN enjoys higher levels of public trust compared to the previous Federal Police.
They further claimed that the initiative would also grant GN officers improved working conditions while denying that it represented a shift towards “militarizing” public security.
In security, catastrophic results
Opposition deputies, however, cautioned that the reform would permit the armed forces to engage permanently in public security tasks—no longer in a temporary and subsidiary capacity—hindering the professional development of civilian police forces, which should be managing this sector.
They also pointed out that despite an increase in personnel from 28,000 at its inception in 2019 to nearly 130,000 today, the GN has failed to curb the escalating violence in Mexico, which has reached “catastrophic” levels.
One of the debate’s most contentious moments arose when PAN member Miguel Ángel Monraz Ibarra addressed the assembly, flanked by his colleagues holding banners depicting current President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, national Morena leader Mario Delgado, and other party members in protest against the militarization during Enrique Peña Nieto’s presidency.
“What do these images remind you of? What were they saying and thinking back then? How forgetful they are, for they don’t remember their outrage over the military presence in the streets!” Monraz exclaimed, laughing, which provoked a backlash from the majority benches, accompanied by cries of “out!” and the chant “it’s an honor to be with Obrador!”
Morena’s stance included strong criticism of the “war” on drugs initiated by former President Felipe Calderón and the ties forged with organized crime by his former Secretary of Security, Genaro García Luna, for whom the New York Prosecutor’s Office requested life imprisonment yesterday.
Bruno Blancas (Morena) urged the opposition to reconsider their vote. He added, “We’ve just received news of a criminal sentencing. Supposedly Felipe Calderón was oblivious to his collaborators’ actions. Of course, he knew! García Luna is corrupt! They knew and continue to conspire!”
In a similar vein, Deputy Josefina Gamboa Torales (PAN) interjected: “Of course García Luna was aware of Andrés Manuel; that’s why he was labeled the narco president! Was he aware or not?”
This statement sparked another furious reaction from the left side of the assembly, although the PAN member refused to halt her remarks despite a request from the vice president of the Board of Directors, Morena member Sergio Gutiérrez Luna, who later expressed that her interruptions were not “a question of ill will” toward the speakers, insisting she should address the presidency with respect.
After 57 deputies participated in a series of interventions reiterating their respective party arguments, the reform was ultimately approved in general terms just before eight in the evening.
The debate is anticipated to continue into the early hours of Friday, as 433 reservations have been lodged regarding the resolution, 151 of which were from the Labour Party alone. The list includes 111 speakers, but it is expected that as time progresses, deputies will begin to withdraw from their presentations on the platform.
Mexico City Chamber of Deputies Approves National Guard Reform
Overview of the Reform
Mexico City. After more than 7.5 hours of intense debate, the Chamber of Deputies approved the reform that transfers the operational and administrative control of the National Guard (GN) back to the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena). This significant change also allows legislators to establish an internal security law to regulate military participation in civilian law enforcement functions.
Vote Breakdown
| Voting Group | Votes |
|---|---|
| In Favor (Morena and Allies) | 362 |
| Against (Opposition Parties) | 133 |
| Absent | 5 |
Debate Highlights
The session commenced later than planned due to an earthquake drill, with the discourse largely divided between proponents and opponents of the reform. Supporters, led by Morena and allied parties, argued that this measure would strengthen the capacity of the National Guard, enhancing its coordination with the military. They emphasized maintaining civilian oversight to avoid the excesses of previous security forces, notably the defunct Federal Police.
Arguments in Favor of the Reform
- Strengthened Coordination: Advocates believe that aligning the National Guard with the Sedena is essential for effective response to organized crime.
- Civilian Oversight: Proponents argue that despite military control, there will be mechanisms in place to ensure civilian oversight remains intact.
- Improved Working Conditions: Supporters assert that military affiliation could lead to better operational conditions for GN officers.
- Public Trust: The majority claim that public trust in the National Guard is higher compared to its predecessors.
Opposition Concerns
- Permanent Military Presence: Critics contend that this change effectively allows military forces to take on roles traditionally held by civilian law enforcement agencies.
- Lack of Effectiveness: The opposition highlights that despite the growth of the National Guard’s personnel from 28,000 to nearly 130,000, violence has escalated to “catastrophic” levels in Mexico.
- Historical Context: Many opposition members referenced previous militarization under former administrations, expressing concern over repeating the mistakes of the past.
Key Moments in the Debate
Tensions peaked when PAN deputy Miguel Ángel Monraz Ibarra confronted Morena members with imagery critical of President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, illustrating hypocrisy in their current stance on military involvement in public safety. His rhetorical questioning sparked heated responses, including chants of “it’s an honor to be with Obrador!” from Morena deputies.
Personal Accounts from the Chamber
The discussion was charged with accusations and rebuttals. Bruno Blancas (Morena) chastised opposition figures for their historical ties to the ineffective security policies of past administrations, particularly during Felipe Calderón’s presidency. In a dramatic retort, PAN’s Josefina Gamboa Torales suggested that corruption in previous administrations was rampant and linked to the current government, igniting further disputes over legitimacy and accountability.
Civilian Safety vs. Militarization
The overarching theme of the debate revolved around the balance between national security and civil liberties, an issue that resonates deeply within Mexican society. As the plenary session concluded, discussions were set to continue into the early hours with numerous reservations filed regarding the reform.
Future Implications of the Reform
This recent decision has raised significant concerns regarding the militarization of public security and the potential implications for human rights in Mexico. As legislators prepare to address the various reservations, the anticipated internal security law could redefine military engagement within civilian contexts.
- Monitoring Progress: Observers anticipate rigorous scrutiny of how this reform will impact crime rates and public safety.
- International Reactions: Human rights organizations are likely to react strongly, emphasizing the need for accountability and oversight.
- Civil Society Engagement: As the law develops, civic engagement will be critical in voicing public concerns and advocating for responsible security measures.
Conclusion
The decision made by the Chamber of Deputies signifies a pivotal shift in Mexico’s approach to public security. The ongoing debate highlights a nation grappling with its history, contemporary challenges, and the quest for a more secure future. Whether the shift towards military oversight will yield positive outcomes remains to be seen as Mexico moves forward in addressing its complex security landscape.
