National Guard Joins the Ranks of the Military

In a move that signals a significant shift in the landscape of public security in Mexico, the Chamber of Deputies has approved a sweeping reform package that will embed the National Guard into the very fabric of the military apparatus. The proposal, passed with a commanding majority of 362 votes in favor to 131 against (and notably, not a single abstention), seeks to integrate the National Guard into the Secretariat of National Defense (Sedena), bringing the nation's security forces under one mighty umbrella.

In essence, this move propels the National Guard into a new era, reimagining it as a “professional, permanent public security force,” one that is no longer just a civilian or quasi-military unit but a full-fledged branch operating under the military’s watchful gaze. The Federation will now command a security force “made up of military and marine personnel with police training.” This is no casual reshuffling of responsibilities; it’s a tectonic realignment of Mexico’s security architecture.

Deputy Sergio Carlos Gutiérrez Luna, of the Morena party, chaired the proceedings and underscored the gravity of the decision. This wasn't just another day in Congress, after all. For the proposal to become a reality, the Deputies had to reform 12 key articles of the Political Constitution and negotiate a labyrinth of legal intricacies. Articles 13, 16, 21, 55, and beyond were each tweaked and refined to make this bold experiment in security governance possible. With dozens of transitory provisions, the legal architecture of this move was almost as intricate as the reorganization of the Guard itself.

So, what does this reform mean for Mexico's future? Essentially, the National Guard becomes an extension of Sedena, and Sedena is now tasked with steering the country’s public security strategy. Yet, this isn’t just a military takeover in sheep's clothing. Congress still retains a voice in how these security forces are governed. For instance, laws regulating the Army, Navy, and Air Force’s involvement in internal security must now flow through the legislative gauntlet.

Moreover, Congress also gains the authority to ratify senior leadership appointments within the National Guard. But make no mistake: the Federal Executive retains significant sway here, as it is the president who ultimately taps into the upper echelons of military leadership to helm this newly fortified Guard.

Of course, no grand reform is complete without a ticking clock. The opinion establishes that Congress has 180 days to "harmonize" Mexico's legal framework, ensuring that all the disparate strands of law align with the revamped structure of the National Guard. Until then, the Guard will continue to function under existing laws. But this grace period gives legislators precious time to smooth over potential legal snags before the new model fully takes shape.

A particularly curious wrinkle in the legislation involves the reclassification of military and naval personnel currently serving in the National Guard. These soldiers and sailors will officially transfer from their respective armed forces into the Guard, taking with them their hard-earned seniority and experience. However, they won’t lose their rights within the military—a key nod to the complex web of professional obligations these service members navigate.

The leadership of the Guard, a coveted position requiring both military might and political acumen, will be reserved for those holding the rank of Major General. If no National Guard officers currently fit the bill, Sedena will temporarily assign Army generals trained in public security. It’s a pragmatic move, but one that underscores the hybrid nature of the new Guard—a melding of military discipline with the operational realities of law enforcement.

From Federal Police to Military Guardians

One of the more poignant casualties of this reform is the extinction of the Federal Police. Former officers will find their services no longer required within the National Guard and will be transferred to other branches of public security. While they retain their labor rights, the reshuffling highlights the prioritization of military control over civilian law enforcement in the Guard’s new identity.

For now, specialized personnel who once belonged to the Federal Police or other security agencies can continue working in the National Guard, thanks to collaboration agreements between the Sedena and the Secretariat of Security and Citizen Protection. But their status remains temporary, a sign that this reform isn't merely administrative but symbolic of a larger shift in how Mexico tackles public safety.

Let’s not forget the practicalities: running a security apparatus is expensive. All budgetary and financial resources once allocated to the Federal Police will now be absorbed by Sedena, which will also oversee the Guard’s operational expenses. In a landscape where money is power, this financial reallocation speaks volumes about where the Mexican government’s priorities now lie.

Not everyone is cheering this military makeover, however. Deputies from the Movimiento Ciudadano (MC), Partido Revolucionario Institucional (PRI), and Partido Acción Nacional (PAN) made spirited attempts to slow down or even halt the vote. They argued that the process was rushed and cited potential violations of international treaties regarding the military’s role in public security.

These dissidents were met with a resounding “no” from the Plenary, their motions to halt the proceedings swept aside like leaves before a gale. For all their protests, the vote marched forward, leaving these deputies to nurse their grievances as the reform gained momentum.

This historic reform leaves Mexico on the cusp of a new chapter in its fight for public security. Whether this integration of military and police will lead to a safer society or slide toward militarization is a question for the future. For now, the National Guard stands ready to evolve—transformed, redefined, and under new management. As the dust settles, the impact of this decision will reverberate not only through the halls of Congress but across the streets of Mexico, where security, both real and perceived, is always a matter of life and death.