Mexico Pushes Sovereignty Reform Amid U.S. Tensions

Mexico’s Senate committees approved a constitutional reform to strengthen national sovereignty with 41 votes in favor, four against, and no abstentions.

Proposed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, the reform responds to growing concerns over potential foreign interference, particularly following the United States’ recent designation of six Mexican drug cartels as foreign terrorist organizations.

This move has raised fears in Mexico of possible US military action. The reform amends Articles 19 and 40 of the Constitution to explicitly prohibit foreign interventions, including election meddling, coups, or territorial violations by land, sea, air, or space.

It also expands mandatory preventive detention to include terrorism and imposes strict penalties for nationals or foreigners involved in illegal arms trafficking or activities threatening Mexico’s sovereignty. These measures aim to address the flow of US-made firearms into Mexico, which account for up to 90% of weapons recovered at crime scenes.

President Sheinbaum emphasized that while Mexico values collaboration with the US on security issues, it will not tolerate unilateral actions or external interference in domestic matters. “Coordination is welcome, but subordination is not,” she stated.

The proposal reflects Mexico’s longstanding principles of non-intervention and self-determination but has drawn criticism from opposition lawmakers. Senator Guadalupe Murguía (PAN) called the reform redundant, arguing that existing constitutional provisions already safeguard sovereignty.

Senator Claudia Anaya (PRI) criticized its wording as poorly drafted. This legislative push comes amid heightened US surveillance near the Mexican border and increased use of drones to monitor cartels.

If enacted, the reform could reshape Mexico’s legal framework for addressing foreign interference and organized crime. It also signals a firm stance on sovereignty as Mexico navigates its complex relationship with the United States, balancing security cooperation with national independence.