Quintana Roo Congress Approves Major National Guard Constitutional Reform

In a recent session of the Quintana Roo Congress, a constitutional reform was approved that will enable the National Guard to serve as a public security force. This force will be under the jurisdiction of the Secretary of National Defense (SEDENA) and led by a military command. The approval was met with silence from the National Action Party (PAN) and Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI).

During the discussion, the National Regeneration Movement defended the reform, arguing that it is not a step towards militarization. Jorge Arturo Sanen, the chairman of the Government and Political Coordination Board of the Eighteenth Legislature, criticized the stance of José Luis Pech, a legislator from the Citizens' Movement, calling it "a legislative tantrum, and systematic opposition".

Sanen further criticized those who were once aligned with the ideals of the Fourth Transformation, but who now oppose the National Guard's military command. He argued that it is crucial to stay informed about the actions of the Union Congress to avoid being taken by surprise.

José Luis Pech, a legislator from the Citizens' Movement, argued that the reform does not fulfill the original purpose of the National Guard, which was to establish a civilian command and a five-year deadline for the military to withdraw from public security functions. However, Ricardo Velazco, another legislator, asserted that placing the National Guard under the command of SEDENA would allow it to draw from the experience, discipline, and resources of the armed forces. This, he argued, would help the National Guard become a more professional and efficient institution in the fight against organized crime.

Hugo Alday Nieto, a deputy from the Labor Party, supported the reform, citing episodes such as the Dirty War and the war against drug trafficking. He argued that the armed forces are the only institution in the country capable of performing intelligence work. Saulo Aguilar Bernés, from Morena, also supported the reform, arguing that it is a solution to the violence left by the PRIAN.

Eric Arcila, a deputy from the PVEM, denied that the police in Quintana Roo are weakened, insisting that they are indeed strong.