The Senate of the Republic authorized President Claudia Sheinbaum to allow a delegation of 23 members of U.S. Navy SEAL Team 8 to enter Mexican territory. The group will participate in a joint military training program with Mexican forces between August and October 2026.
According to the decree published on Tuesday, July 14, in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), the U.S. personnel will enter with military weapons and equipment aboard a U.S. Air Force C-130 “Hercules” aircraft, arriving at and departing from Toluca International Airport, State of Mexico.
The authorization is based on Article 76, Section III, of the Constitution, which grants the Senate the authority to permit the passage of foreign troops through Mexican territory.
What Exactly Did the Senate Authorize?
The decree authorizes the President of Mexico to allow the entry of a foreign delegation consisting of 23 members of U.S. Navy SEAL Team 8.
The purpose is not for them to conduct operations in Mexico, but to participate in the “SOF 4 Event: Strengthening the Capabilities of Special Operations Forces,” a military training exercise scheduled to take place in Campeche, Hidalgo, the State of Mexico, and Mexico City.
When Will the Navy SEALs Arrive in Mexico?
The decree establishes two key dates for the deployment:
- August 1, 2026: The aircraft will enter Mexico to deliver the instructors and their equipment. The same day, the aircraft will return to the United States with only its crew.
- October 16, 2026: The aircraft will return to Mexico to pick up the personnel and their equipment before returning them to the United States.
Although the authorized stay extends from August 1 to October 16, the training event itself is scheduled from August 1 to October 15, 2026.
Where Will the Military Training Take Place?
The program will consist of three phases at different locations across the country.
The first phase will include maritime operations, air-mobile operations, and ground combat. It will be held at the Specialized Marine Infantry Training Center in San Luis Carpizo, Campeche, and within the jurisdiction of the Ciudad del Carmen Naval Sector.
The second phase will focus on support training for the Special Forces course, also in San Luis Carpizo and Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche.
The third phase will involve free-fall parachuting. It will take place at the Naval Special Operations Unit in Donato Guerra, State of Mexico, extending into the airspace over Hidalgo and Mexico City.
Why Will They Arrive With Weapons and Military Equipment?
The decree specifies that the 23 personnel will arrive with military weapons and equipment aboard a military aircraft.
This does not authorize them to conduct armed operations against civilians or participate in public security duties.
The presence of weapons is related to the nature of the training, which includes special operations tactics, maritime operations, air-mobile operations, ground combat, and parachuting.
The authorized aircraft is a U.S. Air Force C-130 “Hercules.” It must arrive at and depart from Licenciado Adolfo López Mateos International Airport in Toluca.
What Is the “SOF 4 Event”?
The “SOF 4 Event: Strengthening the Capabilities of Special Operations Forces” is a training exercise for specialized military units.
The acronym SOF refers to Special Operations Forces. According to the decree, the objective is to strengthen capabilities through training activities conducted in different phases and locations.
These types of exercises generally include the exchange of techniques, procedures, planning, mobility, operations in different environments, and coordination among units.
Who Will Supervise the Exercise?
The decree instructs the President to direct the Secretary of the Navy to oversee the exercise.
Once the training concludes, the Ministry of the Navy must submit a report on the results to the Senate within 30 business days.
This requirement is significant because it establishes accountability to the Senate, which granted the authorization.
Why Is Senate Approval Required?
The Constitution establishes that the Senate must authorize the passage of foreign troops through Mexican territory.
Article 76, Section III, states that the Senate may authorize the Executive Branch to permit the deployment of Mexican troops abroad, the passage of foreign troops through national territory, and the stationing of foreign naval squadrons in Mexican waters for more than one month.
For that reason, the entry of an armed foreign military delegation cannot be handled solely as an administrative procedure. It requires legislative approval.
Is This the First Authorization of This Type in 2026?
In February 2026, the DOF published another decree authorizing the entry of 19 members of U.S. Navy SEAL Team 2 to participate in an emergency training event in San Luis Carpizo and Ciudad del Carmen, Campeche, from February 15 to April 16.
Additionally, in April 2026, the Senate authorized the entry of 96 U.S. military personnel in two separate exercises: 73 for the Multinational Amphibious Exercise Phoenix 2026, and 23 members of Navy SEAL Team 8 for the SOF 4 Event.
This shows that military cooperation between Mexico and the United States has included several training exercises throughout the year, all under specific authorizations.
What Should Readers Keep in Mind?
The authorization allows the temporary entry of armed U.S. military personnel, but solely for a defined purpose: training and military instruction.
The decree specifies the dates, number of personnel, type of aircraft, entry points, training locations, exercise phases, and the requirement to submit a final report. It also establishes that the authorization takes effect upon Senate approval and publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF).
The key point is institutional oversight: when foreign troops enter Mexico, even for training purposes, there must be Senate authorization, defined dates, specific locations, and accountability.
Source: elimparcial
