Introduction to the National Guard Expansion
The expansion of the National Guard initially took place on Mexican territory. While legislators adapted the legal framework to implement the new police model and integrate it into the Armed Forces, troops from this organization—initially formed in the Mexican Army—were deployed across the 31 federal entities.
Negotiations and Strategy
President Andrés Manuel López Obrador and then-Secretary of Security and Citizen Protection, Alfonso Durazo Montaño, negotiated with governors from all political parties to position National Guard elements at the most critical points. The strategy to pacify the country involved addressing the root causes of insecurity and neutralizing violence generators, a strategy still in place today.
The effectiveness of these security forces depended on their constant presence. Austerity policies led to the cancellation of previous schemes, like taking over hotels and temporary facilities. Instead, a building program for barracks and outposts with dignified installations was implemented, supported enthusiastically by state authorities and the private sector, who have since refined this model.
Secure Stations in Tamaulipas
Tamaulipas, known for its troubled history of road incidents, has implemented a scheme called “Secure Stations” to protect and accompany travelers in the border region initially. Along the narrow border and adjacent urban areas to Texas, 15 modules are being built, each capable of housing up to 30 security personnel with offices, a monitoring room, dormitories, a dining area, locker rooms, and functional areas spread across two levels.
Last weekend, Governor Américo Villarreal Anaya presented these Secure Stations to President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, reporting an 85% completion of this crucial infrastructure project designed to safeguard residents and visitors.
Villarreal Anaya has emphasized that these spaces are part of a strategy merging public security, road infrastructure, and social development, with the clear goal of accompanying and protecting those traveling through one of Mexico’s most sensitive regions.
Related Projects and Consultations
In addition to the Secure Stations, Governor Villarreal Anaya presented the final phase of expanding the Mante-Tula highway, a project assigned to Grupo Hycsa that has generated over 5,000 direct and indirect jobs with an estimated investment of 8,862 million pesos. The 106.69 km extension will allow users an average speed of 80-110 km/h, along with access to “El Limón” and “Tula” junctions and a six-lane toll booth. The projected completion date is this year.
One of the Secure Stations is located along this highway, enhancing its role as a safer and more efficient transit route for users and communities.
Key Questions and Answers
- What are Secure Stations? Secure Stations are facilities built along Mexico’s narrow border and adjacent urban areas to Texas, providing protection and accompaniment for travelers in the Tamaulipas region.
- What is the purpose of these stations? The Secure Stations aim to ensure the safety of residents and visitors in one of Mexico’s most sensitive regions by offering a secure transit route.
- What other projects has Governor Villarreal Anaya presented? Besides the Secure Stations, Governor Villarreal Anaya has presented the final phase of expanding the Mante-Tula highway, which includes six lanes, improved access to junctions, and an estimated investment of 8,862 million pesos.
