Following the controversy surrounding the alleged involvement of U.S. agents in security operations in Chihuahua, the Morena party is proposing an initiative to amend the National Security Law to remove officials who allow this type of interference.
According to an initiative published in the Parliamentary Gazette of the Chamber of Deputies this Wednesday, April 29, the aim is to reform the National Security Law and the General Law of Administrative Responsibilities, “regarding the protection of national sovereignty against the intervention of foreign agents in public security tasks in the federal entities.”
This proposal, presented by Deputy Juan Carlos Varela Domínguez of the Morena party, states that “national sovereignty constitutes the founding principle of the Mexican State.”
“In this sense, any external intervention in functions that correspond to the essential core of the State must be subject to strict, centralized, and fully regulated controls in accordance with the constitutional order,” the explanatory statement indicates.
Furthermore, it is emphasized that this responds to the need to preserve the unity of the State against external actors, “preventing fragmentation that could lead to risks for national security.”
The direct trigger for this legislative initiative was the tragic car accident that occurred on April 19 in the mountains of Chihuahua, where two alleged agents of the United States Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) lost their lives, along with Pedro Román Oseguera Cervantes, director of the State Investigation Agency (AEI).
“This case should not be analyzed as an isolated incident, but rather as a symptom of a regulatory gap that, if not addressed, could be replicated in other states, generating a systemic risk to national sovereignty,” it states.
What does the proposed reform to the National Security Law entail? According to official information, the proposal includes incorporating an explicit constitutional prohibition directed at federal and local authorities “to prevent them from permitting, authorizing, facilitating, or tolerating the participation of foreign agents in operational public security, investigative, or intelligence tasks within the national territory without the authorization of the Federal Executive.”
The sanctions that would apply in this case are:
Removal from office
Disqualification from public service
Financial fine
“These sanctions not only seek to punish misconduct, but also to generate a deterrent effect that prevents the repetition of acts that compromise national sovereignty,” they add.
What actions would be prohibited for public officials?
According to the reform to the Law, threats to National Security include:
Intervention, presence, or participation of foreign agents in public security, intelligence, or investigative activities within the national territory without authorization from the Federal Executive.
Entering into agreements, conventions, or any form of direct collaboration with foreign governments, agencies, or corporations that implies their operational participation in the national territory.
Furthermore, a public servant will commit an administrative offense in the following cases:
Authorizing, permitting, facilitating, managing, or tolerating the direct or indirect participation of foreign agents, corporations, or security forces in public security tasks.
Entering into, promoting, or implementing agreements, conventions, or collaborative mechanisms with foreign governments, agencies, or corporations that involve their operational intervention within national territory.
Failing to prevent such acts when legally, functionally, or hierarchically obligated to do so.
“Committing this offense will be considered a serious matter because it directly affects national sovereignty and the security of the Mexican State,” states Article 64 Quinquies.
In response to growing pressure and recent incidents, President Claudia Sheinbaum has maintained a firm stance regarding the defense of national sovereignty.
During her morning press conferences, the president has categorically reiterated that in Mexico there are “no joint operations” with U.S. agencies and that any collaboration is strictly limited to intelligence sharing.
Source: radioformula
