Reform of the National Guard advances in San Lázaro
The Justice Commission of the Chamber of Deputies has scheduled for next Wednesday, June 18, the discussion and ruling on the reform that redefines the legal framework of the National Guard, with the aim of including it as a legislative priority during the extraordinary period that will begin on June 23. The initiative, sent by the federal Executive, seeks to formally assign this security body to the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena).
Technical details and scope of the reform
The project, which consists of 958 pages, not only issues the National Guard Law, but also modifies eight secondary laws and two codes, including the Code of Military Justice and the Military Code of Criminal Procedures. Among its key provisions are:
- Military hierarchical structure: The National Guard will adopt an organizational model similar to that of the Armed Forces, with approved ranks (Major General, Brigade, etc.).
- Personnel and training: It will be made up of military personnel with police training, and its head will be appointed by the President at the proposal of the Secretary of Defense.
- Areas of operation: It will include strategic spaces such as customs, federal highways and national parks.
- Legal regime: Personnel will be subject to military criminal jurisdiction in crimes against military discipline, although its application to civilians is excluded.
The proposal establishes a reclassification process for military personnel who join the corporation, guaranteeing the recognition of their seniority and acquired rights. In addition, it is emphasized that the National Guard will operate as a professional and permanent public security force, with the possibility of incorporating trusted civilian personnel.
Political context and next steps
This reform is part of a legislative package on security that the Morena party has classified as a priority for the extraordinary period. According to legislative sources, the initiative seeks to consolidate the security model promoted by the federal government since 2019, although it has generated debate due to its military approach.
The deputies have a period of just seven days to analyze the extensive document, submitted to the Chamber on June 11. The Board of Directors of the Commission, chaired by deputy Julio César Moreno (Morena), has called an urgent session to expedite the process.
Implications and analysis
National security experts point out that this reform reinforces the militarized nature of the public security strategy, aligned with the policy of the current administration. However, civil organizations have expressed concern about the possible opacity in the handling of cases involving civilians, given the applicable military jurisdiction.
The tight schedule for its discussion—in an extraordinary period of only seven days—could limit public and technical scrutiny of a reform with structural repercussions on the Mexican security system.
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