**Senate Commissions Approve Reforms to Empower Federal SSPC to Investigate Crimes**
In a significant development, on November 11, 2024, the Senate’s Commissions on Constitutional Points, Public Security, and Legislative Studies have approved a reform to Article 21 of the Constitution. This measure is designed to strengthen the Federal Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection (SSPC), led since October 1, 2024, by Omar Hamid García Harfuch. The reform grants the SSPC the responsibility to spearhead the National Public Security Strategy.
President Claudia Sheinbaum submitted the reform initiative to the Senate on November 1, 2024. This initiative aims to authorize the Federal SSPC to coordinate security efforts involving the armed forces, the Navy, the National Guard, local forces, and state prosecutors. The initiative also stipulates that crime investigations are to be conducted by the Public Ministry of the Federation (MPF), the SSPC, the GN, and local police forces.
The proposed reform outlines that the SSPC will be involved directly in criminal investigations, enabling it to work in collaboration with the Attorney General’s Office (FGR) under the guidance of the Federal Public Ministry. Moreover, the SSPC will have a significant role in formulating, coordinating, and managing national security strategy and coordinating the national intelligence system related to public security.
Furthermore, the initiative suggests that federal public security funds will be allocated to federative entities and municipalities strictly for security purposes, with systematic auditing by an executive secretariat ensuring transparency and accountability.
Senator Claudia Anaya Mota of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) expressed support, emphasizing the SSPC’s enhanced role alongside national defense. Nonetheless, she pointed out concerns over the potential overlap with the Federal Audit Office’s jurisdiction.
Ricardo Anaya Cortés from the National Action Party (PAN) endorsed the reform, highlighting its potential to dismantle criminal organizations strategically. Similarly, Luis Donaldo Colosio Riojas from the Citizen Movement (MC) stressed the expectation for the SSPC to revolutionize crime investigation and impunity reduction.
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**Expansion of Harfuch’s Role in Security Reform Continues to Garner Attention**
Following the Senate Commissions’ approval of reforms to Article 21, attention remains high on Omar Hamid García Harfuch’s leadership in the SSPC. The move to empower the SSPC further aligns with recent efforts by the government to combat organized crime and enhance public safety through stronger federal-local collaboration.
This reform is part of a broader strategy to integrate military, national, and local forces in a unified approach against crime. The heightened role of Harfuch reflects a blend of civil and military oversight in security operations, signaling a strategic shift in national security governance.
These developments have sparked debate among political circles and analysts, contemplating the implications of integrating military and public security functions and the long-term impacts on national crime rates and public safety.