**Complete Militarization with National Guard**
Efforts by opposition legislators to persuade the Senate not to pass the constitutional reform transferring control of the National Guard (GN) from the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSCP) to the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena) proved futile. Despite their pleas, the Senate approved the reform early on September 25, with 86 votes in favor and 42 against, leading to the National Guard being officially placed under the command of the Mexican Army.
The decisive vote came from Miguel Ángel Yunes Márquez, a former member of the National Action Party (PAN). The reform document was quickly sent to state congresses and swiftly approved in several. This session also addressed reforms related to the rights of indigenous communities. After a nine-hour debate, the reforms were passed with the support of the majority coalition, including Morena, the Green Ecologist Party (PVEM), and the Labor Party (PT).
Senator Luis Donaldo Colosio from the Citizen Movement (MC) made a final appeal, urging his colleagues not to betray public trust: “We are at a turning point for our country’s future. The decision we make today will shape whether we face fear and violence or embrace freedom and justice.”
Despite his plea, the reform passed, leading to vocal criticisms. Ricardo Anaya Cortés of PAN condemned the decision, describing the arguments in favor of the reform as mere “mental gymnastics” to justify the militarization of public security.
Opposition figures like Manuel Añorve from PRI argued that militarization is a failed security policy. Adding to the dissent, MC legislator María Alejandra Barrales Magdaleno questioned her colleagues’ change in stance on military involvement.
Miguel Ángel Yunes Márquez, initially criticized for past votes, defended the necessity of military support in combating organized crime, emphasizing the capabilities of the incoming Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Omar García Harfuch.
Citizen Movement’s Senate leader, Clemente Castañeda, argued that the approval of the militarization reform represents the government’s failure and a delicate disruption in the separation between civil and military powers.
The constitutional reform modifies 12 articles, emphasizing that the National Guard, with origins in military and naval domains but reliant on police training, now falls under the defense secretary’s jurisdiction. This change integrates the Guard’s operations into the National Defense Secretariat’s (Sedena) management, extending its role in public security.
Eduardo Barajas Languren, a professor at the University of Guadalajara, warns that this move towards complete military control could marginalize civilian input and oversight in critical security matters. He views effective training and clear, civilian-inclusive policies as essential for the National Guard’s success.
### Secondary Article: Further Developments on Mexico’s Security Landscape
Recent moves towards militarization in Mexico have drawn significant attention. Amidst the reform’s progression, various opinions have emerged highlighting the complexity and potential repercussions of these changes.
**Public Reaction and Future Implications**
The reform has, understandably, drawn widespread public concern. Critics argue that moving the National Guard under military control undermines democratic principles and civilian oversight. The Mexican legal and academic communities continue to express reservations about this shift, emphasizing the need for robust civil frameworks alongside military operations to ensure balanced and accountable law enforcement.
**Historical Context**
Since its establishment in 2019, the National Guard, initially conceived as a civilian-led entity to tackle escalating crime rates, has faced scrutiny over its efficacy and governance. This latest reform appears as part of a broader strategy to consolidate national security under a unified military command, a trend that has seen military involvement beyond traditional roles, including infrastructure projects and customs enforcement.
**Regional and International Perspective**
The militarization of security forces is not unique to Mexico, with several Latin American countries grappling with the balance between military involvement in internal affairs and upholding civilian rights. Observers and human rights organizations advocate for maintaining clear boundaries to prevent potential abuses and ensure a continued commitment to democratic norms.
As Mexico embarks on this new phase of security policy, the long-term effects on public safety, civil liberties, and state integrity remain to be seen. Debates and analyses will likely intensify, reflecting on whether these measures successfully address the country’s security challenges or introduce new complications in the quest for peace and order.
*TJGringo.com continues to monitor and report on these critical developments, bringing insights and updates to keep you informed.*