Background on Andrés Manuel López Obrador
Andrés Manuel López Obrador, often referred to as AMLO, served as the President of Mexico from December 1, 2018, to December 1, 2024. Known for his left-leaning policies and commitment to social programs, López Obrador proposed significant changes to Mexico’s firearm laws during his presidency. His initiative aimed to update and expand the regulations surrounding firearm carrying permits, focusing on security for strategic areas and public safety.
Legislative Approval of Firearm Law Modifications
On [insert date], the Chamber of Deputies, Mexico’s lower house, approved modifications to 59 articles of the Federal Firearms and Explosives Law with an overwhelming majority. The vote was 476 in favor, 0 against, and 2 abstentions. The approved changes will now be analyzed by the Senate of the Republic.
Key Changes in the Firearm Law
- Expanded Permits for Ejidatarios and Strategic Area Workers: The new law allows ejidatarios (landholders) and employees in strategic areas, such as those working for the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), Banco de México (Banxico), Casa de Moneda, Centro Nacional de Inteligencia (CNI), and Servicio de Administración Tributaria (SAT), to carry firearms for their job-related duties.
- Firearm Possession for Rural Workers: Ejidatarios, communal land workers, and field laborers can now possess a.22 caliber rifle or shotgun at their residence for security and self-defense.
- Military Personnel Firearm Regulations: Military officers with the rank of general, chief, or equivalent can carry firearms with valid military identification. However, they are prohibited from carrying personal firearms for services rendered to private individuals without authorization from the Defense or Navy Secretary, as applicable.
- Strengthened Control and Penalties: The law introduces stricter penalties for illegal firearm trafficking from abroad, with potential prison sentences of up to 30 years and fines of up to 250 to 2,000 times the daily value of the Unit of Measure and Acquisition (UMA). Illegal use of firearms can result in up to 8 years in prison.
Support and Concerns
During the analysis of this initiative, some inconsistencies and areas for improvement were identified. To address these concerns, the Chamber of Deputies held working meetings with the Secretariat of National Defense to explain the necessity and feasibility of the reform. Supporters, like diputado Luis Arturo Oliver Cen (Morena), believe the updated law strengthens Mexico’s legal framework, ensuring proper control of firearms and clear penalties for infringements.
Diputado César Israel Damián Retes (PAN) emphasized that the reformed law must clearly establish that the monopoly of force lies with the state. He stressed that it is unacceptable to allow organized crime to possess superior firepower compared to security forces. Damián Retes called on the government to ensure the successful implementation of these reforms.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main focus of this legislative change? The primary goal is to update and expand firearm carrying permits, prioritizing security for strategic areas and public safety.
- Who can now carry firearms under the new law? Ejidatarios, strategic area workers (e.g., CFE, Banxico employees), and military personnel with specific ranks can carry firearms for job-related duties. Rural workers can possess.22 caliber rifles or shotguns at their residences.
- What are the penalties for illegal firearm activities? Penalties include up to 30 years in prison and fines of up to 250 to 2,000 times the daily UMA value for international firearm trafficking. Illegal use of firearms can result in up to 8 years in prison.
