The Expanding Influence of the Mexican Navy

In the bustling arena of contemporary history, where narratives clash and merge, a new story takes flight. It is the tale of Mexico's Armed Forces, particularly the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), which has assumed a leading role in the nation's public life. This transformation is not just a matter of military might but a profound evolution in purpose and function, reflecting the Navy's growing influence in public safety and national development.

Back in 1942, a decree was passed establishing June 1st as “National Navy Day.” This marked the beginning of a journey that would see Semar evolve into a multifaceted institution with an ever-expanding scope of responsibilities. The Navy's significance has grown exponentially, bolstered by increased functions, budget, and reverence within society. Today, it stands as a pillar of public safety and a key player in the execution of the federal government's priority projects.

The year 2019 was a watershed moment in Mexico's struggle against public insecurity. In a rare display of unity, all Parliamentary Groups of the Chamber of Deputies unanimously approved constitutional reforms aimed at addressing the nation's severe security challenges. These reforms (encompassing articles 10, 16, 21, 31, 35, 36, 73, 76, 78, and 89) authorized the participation of the Armed Forces in maintaining public order on the streets.

From this legislative action, the National Guard was born, integrating elements from Semar and Sedena. The Magna Carta specified its civilian nature and command, with a clear deadline: military forces were to withdraw from the streets by March 2024, returning to their barracks.

Yet, the fifth transitional article of the Constitution offered a critical proviso: for five years following the decree's implementation, the President of the Republic could deploy the Permanent Navy in public security roles under strict, regulated, and supervised conditions. This measure was intended as a temporary solution while the National Guard developed its full capabilities and structure.

By 2022, this temporary measure had become a subject of debate. The deputies, though no longer unanimous, approved an extension of the Armed Forces' participation in public security tasks until 2028. This extension effectively modified the original five-year period, allowing military presence on the streets to stretch to nine years. The reform also emphasized respect for human rights and the guarantees of indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities, highlighting the delicate balance between security and civil liberties.

The role of Semar has expanded far beyond traditional military duties. In December 2022, the Chamber of Deputies validated further reforms granting the Navy new powers. These included the authority to construct and manage works of national interest and security, as well as to conduct surveillance and inspections in strategic and priority areas. The Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec stands as a prime example of such strategic projects.

The organic laws of the Federal Public Administration and the Mexican Navy were amended to empower sailors to oversee and protect sensitive facilities, including maritime, port, and dredging operations critical to the nation's infrastructure. This also included assisting in the surveillance and protection of key installations linked to national development.

In a notable educational reform, the Chamber of Deputies approved changes to articles 15 and 30 of the General Education Law in 2022. The goal was to integrate the promotion of maritime awareness into the State's educational curriculum. The Ministry of Public Education was tasked with updating study plans, programs, and textbooks to include this new focus. The intention is to instill in children an understanding of Mexico's maritime territories and their responsibility for its protection, fostering a sense of maritime consciousness from a young age.

Reflecting its expanding responsibilities, Semar's budget has seen substantial increases. In the Federation Expenditure Budget (PEF) 2024, the Ministry of the Navy received nearly 72 billion pesos, a significant rise from the 41.9 billion pesos allocated in PEF 2023. This increase is largely due to the infrastructure projects and strategic programs entrusted to the Navy. Semar is also among the few agencies authorized to create new positions, with 994 million pesos earmarked for this purpose.

Despite this financial growth, the control of Semar's resources remains outside civilian hands. According to the Organic Law of the Secretariat of Public Function (SFP), heads of the Internal Control Body (OIC) must be independent of the institutions or agencies they oversee, ensuring impartiality. In 2021, the Navy Commission issued a “negative opinion” on an initiative to have the heads of these internal control bodies appointed by the Chamber of Deputies, maintaining the current oversight structure.

Anchors Aweigh and Shovels in Hand

In a move that was no longer unanimous, the deputies approved in 2022 the expansion of the Armed Forces' participation in public security tasks until 2028. This decision marked a significant extension of the military's presence on the streets, originally set to end in 2024. The reform modified the first paragraph and added the third and fourth paragraphs to the Fifth Transitory Article of the Decree of reforms to the Political Constitution regarding the National Guard (DOF, March 26, 2019). This extension, from five to nine years, emphasized a commitment to respecting human rights and protecting the guarantees of indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities.

The Navy's role is no longer confined to traditional military duties. In December 2022, the Chamber of Deputies validated reforms granting more powers to the Secretariat of the Navy. These reforms aimed to enable the Navy to build and manage works of national interest and security. Moreover, they provided the Navy with express powers of surveillance and inspection in strategic and priority areas, such as the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec.

To facilitate these expanded responsibilities, the organic laws of the Federal Public Administration and the Mexican Navy were modified. These changes allow sailors to protect and manage sensitive facilities, including maritime, port, and dredging works essential to the country's infrastructure. Furthermore, the Navy is now authorized to oversee these projects when they exceed their technical and operational capabilities.

One of the key new faculties granted to the Navy is the authority to assist in the surveillance and protection of priority strategic facilities linked to national development. This includes a broad range of activities, from overseeing critical infrastructure projects to ensuring the security of sensitive installations vital to the nation's progress. The Navy's involvement in these areas underscores its integral role in not just protecting but also propelling Mexico forward.

These reforms reflect a difficult juggling between extending the military's role in public life and maintaining a civilian character. The enhanced powers come with a renewed emphasis on human rights and the rights of indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities. This approach aims to ensure that the Navy's expanded mandate is exercised with respect for the diverse fabric of Mexican society.

Learning to Love the Sea

The Chamber of Deputies, in a forward-thinking move, approved reforms to articles 15 and 30 of the General Education Law in 2022, aiming to integrate maritime awareness into the national curriculum. This initiative is more than just an educational reform; it’s a cultural shift towards recognizing and embracing the vast maritime expanse over which Mexico exercises sovereignty and jurisdiction.

The Ministry of Public Education has been tasked with making the necessary adjustments to study plans and programs, as well as free textbooks, to include maritime awareness. This effort ensures that Mexican children grow up understanding the importance of their country’s maritime boundaries and the responsibilities that come with protecting these vital resources. This initiative is a beacon for future generations, fostering a sense of stewardship and appreciation for the maritime realm that surrounds them.

This emphasis on maritime awareness is reflected not just in educational reforms but also in the financial commitments outlined in the Federation Expenditure Budget (PEF) 2024. The Ministry of the Navy has seen a significant increase in its budget, reaching nearly 72 billion pesos. This rise is due to the numerous infrastructure projects and strategic programs that have been entrusted to it, notably the construction and operation of the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec. By comparison, the PEF 2023 allocated 41,878,142,593 pesos to the Navy, highlighting the substantial growth in funding and responsibilities.

Semar, the Secretariat of the Navy, is one of the few agencies authorized to create new positions, with 994 million pesos allocated for this purpose. This budgetary expansion underscores the critical role that the Navy plays in national development and security.

Despite these significant investments, the control of Semar’s resources remains outside civilian hands. According to the Organic Law of the Secretariat of Public Function (SFP), the heads of the Internal Control Body (OIC) must be individuals external to the institutions or agencies they oversee. This stipulation is designed to guarantee impartiality and prevent conflicts of interest.

However, in 2021, the Navy Commission issued a “negative opinion” on an initiative to reform various articles of the Organic Law of the Federal Public Administration, the Organic Law of the Mexican Army and Air Force, and the Organic Law of the Navy of Mexico. This initiative aimed to have the heads of the internal control bodies (OIC) of the Secretariat of National Defense and the Secretariat of the Navy appointed by the Chamber of Deputies. The negative opinion highlights ongoing debates about the best ways to ensure transparency and accountability within these powerful institutions.

The push for maritime awareness in education is a signal to Mexico’s recognition of the strategic importance of its maritime territories. By embedding this knowledge in the national curriculum, the country is preparing its youth to become informed and responsible custodians of the seas. This initiative aligns with broader global trends emphasizing the importance of maritime education in fostering sustainable development and security.

As children learn about the maritime extension over which their country exercises sovereignty, they also learn about the ecological and economic significance of these waters. This knowledge is crucial for understanding the complex interplay between maritime activities and environmental stewardship. It instills a sense of responsibility for protecting these resources, ensuring that Mexico’s maritime heritage is preserved for future generations.

In this new era, the seas are not just boundaries but gateways to opportunities and responsibilities. Mexico’s commitment to maritime awareness and its significant investments in naval capabilities underscore its readiness to chart a course toward a secure, prosperous, and sustainable future. The waves of change are upon us, and Mexico is poised to navigate them with wisdom and foresight.

In-text Citation: (Mondragón, 2024, pp. 22-23)