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Mexico’s Deputies Approve Intelligence Law Amidst Heated Debate
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Mexico’s Chamber of Deputies has approved a new law on intelligence in public security, granting expanded powers to the Ministry of Citizen Security and Protection (SSPC) and the National Intelligence Center (CNI). the vote occurred amidst a contentious debate, with 368 deputies from Morena, PT, PVEM, and MC voting in favor, while 101 deputies from PRI and PAN opposed the measure.
Key Provisions of the New Intelligence Law
The approved legislation empowers the SSPC and CNI to obtain and process information from public and private archives to prevent crimes, particularly those with significant impact. Deputy Sandra Anaya from La Tribuna stated that the law provides a legal framework to prevent and combat crime. The head of the SSPC can now demand interconnection or information from all state agencies and, in certain instances, private entities. This includes access to vehicular, biometric, telephone, real estate, tax, and commercial data.
Did You Know? The new law formalizes the use of informants for the CNI, requiring all state authorities to collaborate with the National Security System to share information from various sources.
Debate and Opposition Concerns
The debate surrounding the law was intense, with opposition deputies accusing the ruling coalition of formalizing espionage. They argued that the expanded powers could lead to abuses and violations of privacy. Supporters of the law, however, maintained that it is crucial for preventing crime and ensuring public safety. Ricardo Monreal Ávila, coordinator of the legislative majority, assured that the intelligence gathered would not replicate past instances of state espionage against political opponents.
PRI coordinator Rubén Moreira pointed out technical errors in the addendum to the law, including photocopied signatures from the original opinion. Chamber President Sergio Gutiérrez Luna acknowledged the error and proposed a correction.
