Lawmakers approve National Guard constitutional reform

Lawmakers with the Commission of Government, Legislation and Constitutional Affairs voted for the bill passed by Mexican Congress to extend the militarization of law enforcement operations.

The legislation extends the participation of military personnel in law enforcement activities until 2028 — well into the next federal administration. The bill permits the president to use National Defense staff for law enforcement operations while the National Guard prepares its abilities and structure countrywide.

The bill was approved a day after Mexico’s Secretary of Government Adán López Hernández visited town.

The proposal specifically mandates that the military would not substitute civilian law enforcement agencies. At the same time, the bill provides Congress with oversight and control of the military, according to Mexico Supreme Court rulings.

Days ago, the Secretary of National Defense declined to appear for a legislative hearing in Congress, instead asking that the meeting be held in military facilities.

“Suspects appeal when arrested by military staff,” Commission Chairman Juan Manuel Molina said in a prepared statement. “Citizens ask for the (military presence) for their tranquility.”

“What is pretended is to have legal certainty and move forward with human rights issues,” Assemblywoman Rocío Adame said. The lawmaker added that the bill allows states and cities to strengthen their police agencies in order to have well trained agencies in the future.

Assemblywoman Daylin Garcia voted against the bill.