National Guard Reform: Implications on Security Policy and US-Mexico Cooperation

On September 20, Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies approved the National Guard Reform. Currently under discussion in the Senate, this reform is expected to be approved this week, marking a significant shift in Mexico’s approach to public security.

The reform aims to establish the National Guard as a permanent public security force composed of military and naval personnel trained in police work, operating under the authority of the Ministry of Defense (SEDENA). This session will explore the complexities of the military’s role in public security and the delicate balance between ensuring safety and upholding human rights.

The discussion will include the implications of increasing the military’s powers and resources and the political dynamics that shape these reforms. These changes reflect the current administration’s public safety strategy, raising important questions about public trust in law enforcement. Furthermore, this discussion will analyze the broader implications of the reform for US-Mexico security cooperation and the overall bilateral relationship.