# Senate to Convene in Xicoténcatl: Noroña; SCJN Questions Ministers about Judicial Reform Suspension
José Gerardo Rodolfo Fernández Noroña, President of the Senate’s Board of Directors, announced on September 5, 2024, that the full session of the LXVI Legislature would meet in Xicoténcatl as an alternative venue. The sessions will focus on discussing and approving the constitutional reform to the Federal Judiciary (PJF) sent by San Lázaro.
Students from various law schools and Federal Judiciary workers from different states blockaded all entrances to the Senate early in the morning on September 5, 2024, protesting the judicial reform.
According to the Senate’s schedule, the ordinary session in the Chamber was set to begin at 11:00 AM on September 5, 2024, accompanied by multiple press conferences from parliamentary groups.
“Based on the legal framework and the previous Plenary agreement to determine an alternate venue, I am calling the Senate Plenary to convene at 1:00 PM at the old headquarters on Donceles Street, known as the Casona de Xicoténcatl,” stated Fernández Noroña in a video on his social media account.
“It is publicly known that the number of demonstrators has increased at the Senate building near Reforma and Insurgentes. We respect the right to peaceful protest,” added Noroña, who also noted that the constitutional reform by San Lázaro had arrived at the Senate on September 4, 2024, but was not voted on that day in committees.
Ernestina Godoy Ramos and Minerva Citlalli Hernández Mora from the Morena parliamentary group were elected on September 3, 2024, as presidents of the Constitutional Points and Legislative Studies committees, respectively. Both were also appointed by the President-elect, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, to key government positions starting October 1, 2024.
On September 4, 2024, the Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation (SCJN) opened two consultations for the full tribunal to decide whether to order the suspension of the judicial reform process.
The SCJN notified that consultations were assigned to Minister Lenia Batres Guadarrama, who opposed the work stoppage by Federal Judiciary employees.
Juana Fuentes Velázquez, National Director of the Association of Magistrates and District Judges (JUFED), requested the SCJN on September 3, 2024, to address the independence of the judiciary and suspend the reform process.
Fuentes Velázquez called for urgent action by the SCJN, advocating a position respecting the judiciary’s independence and preventing the reform’s implementation until an objective analysis of corruption, insecurity, and impunity is undertaken.
She also asked the SCJN to take necessary steps to maintain the separation of powers defined in the Constitution and to prevent undermining the checks and balances among the branches of government.
### Additional Information on the Judicial Reform Protests:
As reported by multiple sources, tension surrounding the judicial reform has escalated. On September 5, 2024, additional demonstrations took place outside the Senate building, causing significant disruptions.
The judiciary’s rejection of the reform has highlighted deep concerns about potential alterations to judicial autonomy and procedural fairness. Opinions from legal experts emphasize the critical need for thorough consultation and review before implementing such far-reaching changes.
The Federal Judiciary workers’ protests reflect widespread apprehension, demanding more transparent and inclusive dialogue about the reform’s implications and seeking assurances of the judiciary’s continued independence.
For more updates on this developing story, stay tuned to TJGringo.com.