### A Security Secretariat Without a Police Force
As President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration nears its conclusion, he is pushing forward with key reforms that will impact the future agenda of the next Federal Executive, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo. This week, a significant focus is on the reform of the National Guard, currently under discussion in the Chamber of Deputies.
Upon taking office, AMLO reestablished the Secretariat of Security, which had been previously eliminated during Enrique Peña Nieto’s term. The Police Force, formerly known as the Federal Police and earlier the Preventive or Investigation Police, was disbanded to form the National Guard. This new entity was initially meant to be under civilian command within the Federal Civilian Safety Secretariat. However, over time, the National Guard has become increasingly militarized, with military personnel and commanders assuming greater control over operations.
Rosa Icela Rodríguez, the current head of the Secretariat, primarily focuses on administrative duties, compiling data on national security metrics rather than engaging in active policing. Despite public trust in the military, several National Guard members have committed crimes, including drug theft and collusion with criminal gangs. Investigative and judicial processes remain opaque, particularly because these members can now be tried in military courts, which civilians cannot access.
AMLO’s reform aims to cement the militarization of the National Guard, framing it as a permanent security force with both military origins and police training. This strategy aligns with López Obrador’s approach but contrasts sharply with the plans of President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum. She has appointed Omar García Harfuch, her former security secretary in Mexico City with a background in federal policing from Felipe Calderón’s tenure, to lead the Secretariat.
Harfuch may face challenges with limited operational control if the National Guard remains under military command. Analysts are closely watching how Sheinbaum will navigate this landscape and whether she will propose creating a new civilian police force. The broader implications of this militarization, especially regarding civil security and crime prevention, will become clearer once Sheinbaum takes office on October 1st and implements her security strategy.
### Secondary Article: Developments in the National Guard Reform
#### Elements of Controversy in the National Guard Reform
The ongoing debate in the Chamber of Deputies about President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s proposal to fully integrate the National Guard into the military has sparked significant controversy. Critics argue that this move could further distance the Guard from civilian oversight and undermine efforts to create a transparent and accountable security force.
According to reports from various sources, the reform has already faced opposition from human rights organizations and political analysts. They warn of the risks associated with granting the military excessive control over internal security functions, particularly in a context where human rights abuses by security forces have been documented.
Additionally, recent investigations have revealed troubling behavior among National Guard members, including allegations of corruption and involvement in criminal activities. For instance, there have been confirmed cases where National Guard personnel in Baja California were implicated in drug-related crimes and even sexual assault. Such incidents raise questions about the effectiveness and integrity of the force.
Proponents of the reform, primarily from the ruling party, argue that integrating the National Guard into the military structure will enhance its operational capabilities and professionalism. They suggest that a militarized force is better equipped to handle the country’s complex security challenges, including combating drug cartels and organized crime.
As the discussion continues, upcoming votes will determine the future structure of the National Guard. The outcome will have significant implications for Mexico’s security policy and its approach to addressing crime and violence nationwide. Observers are awaiting the final decision, which will not only affect the current administration but also set the stage for Claudia Sheinbaum’s presidency.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for updates on this developing story and other news impacting Mexico’s security landscape.
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