Background on Extortion in Mexico
Extortion, a widespread issue affecting all of Mexico’s states, municipalities, individuals, and communities, has grown into a serious concern. The decriminalization of extortion has allowed this practice to flourish, preying on lives, families, businesses, and communities with alarming impunity. Moreover, extortion has adapted to new technologies, further complicating the situation.
Relevance of Extortion Reform
Senators from various political parties, including Morena (the ruling party), PAN (National Action Party), and PRI (Institutional Revolutionary Party), have acknowledged the severity of extortion in Mexico. They emphasized that a growing number of working-class individuals and businesses are victims, necessitating immediate action.
Senate’s Unanimous Approval of Constitutional Reform
The Mexican Senate unanimously approved (106 votes in favor) a constitutional reform to tackle extortion. This reform aims to incorporate extortion into matters regulated by a federal law, similar to secuestro (kidnapping), desaparición forzada (forced disappearance), and trata de personas (human trafficking).
By doing so, the reform grants the Congress of the Union the authority to create a unified law that standardizes criteria, closes legal loopholes, and ensures comprehensive protection for society. It also establishes a homogeneous framework and intergovernmental coordination to prevent, investigate, and penalize extortion nationwide under a single model.
Senators’ Statements on Extortion Reform
- Óscar Cantón Zetina (Morena): Extortion is a grave issue affecting all of Mexico, requiring our utmost attention. The diverse modalities and varying state laws have allowed this practice to spread like a deadly shadow, sacrificing lives and devastating families, businesses, and communities. Although extortion is growing and adapting to new technologies, it operates with high impunity.
- Verónica Rodríguez Hernández (PAN): Extortion has grown alarmingly, affecting the working class and many individuals in their daily lives. While supporting the constitutional reform, PAN emphasized that changing legislation alone won’t solve the problem. An effective strategy and operation by the federal government are crucial, ensuring citizens can report extortion without fear of retaliation.
- Karla Toledo (PRI): PRI supported the constitutional reform, stating that Mexico cannot tolerate extortion any longer. However, they criticized the Morena government’s indifference towards this issue, allowing extortion to grow unprecedentedly. Toledo highlighted that millions of Mexicans live in fear, including small business owners, farmers, and even mayors in remote areas, all facing threats from organized crime.
These senators agreed that a comprehensive law, with proper funding and intergovernmental coordination, is necessary for the reform’s success. They pointed out that 97% of victims do not report extortion, and one in four businesses in Mexico has experienced it. Without a robust strategy, the reform risks becoming ineffective.
