The Breakdown of Law and Order in Mexico

As Troops Settle Into Juárez Again

The Mexican Government Debates

Changing the Constitution to Permit Creation of a National Guard
Two More Executions in Juarez Tonight
 

**A man was executed in his home tonight in Parajes del Sol, a conflictive neighborhood.

**Juan Francisco Galindo Medrano, 23, was killed tonight in Infonavit Tecnologico, in the Southern part of Juárez, near the airport.  His wife, 16, identified his body.  He was wearing a black jogging suit.  See Diario here and here.
 

Legislators and governors in Mexico are debating a proposal by President AMLO to amend the Constitution to permit the creation of a National Guard.  A full debate about the details of the proposed National Guard is to be expected, but the initial reaction appears to be positive.

Governors in Mexico are far more powerful than governors in the U.S., and their input into the proposals, as they shake out, will be important.  The Governor of Guerrero, Héctor Astudillo, has come out in favor of the idea, and in the state of Veracruz, where six cartels operate, Governor Cuitláhuac García has endorsed the concept.  Alejandro Murat, Governor of Oaxaca, has given his strong support.  In Durango and Sinaloa, two of the three key states that with Chihuahua comprise the so-called Golden Triangle of drug production, processing, and transportation, both governors have endorsed the proposal.  Governor Javier Corral Jurado, of Chihuahua, has not yet given his support.

Right now the Mexican Senate is debating the issue, but things seem to be moving fast.  Opponents of the project foresee further militarization of society in Mexico and greater assaults on human and civil rights.  Supporters believe it is time to try something different.

This is an important debate.  Stay tuned.