National Guard to Expand Role to Environmental Protection in Mexico

Guardia Nacional Expands Role to Include Forest and Protected Area Patrols

MEXICO CITY – In a significant shift for Mexico’s security forces, the Senate has approved a reform extending the authority of the Guardia Nacional (National Guard) to include the surveillance and protection of federally-designated natural protected areas, and forests. The measure, passed with 105 votes on March 11, 2026, formalizes a broader role for the military-backed security force in environmental protection, encompassing the investigation and prosecution of environmental crimes like illegal logging, poaching, and ecosystem degradation.

The reform amends Article 9 of the Ley de la Guardia Nacional (National Guard Law), replacing the term “national parks” with the broader designation of “terrestrial federally-protected natural areas.” This change reflects a move towards a more comprehensive approach to safeguarding Mexico’s biodiversity and natural resources. The decision comes as concerns grow over increasing environmental damage and the require for stronger enforcement of environmental regulations.

What Does This Mean for the Guardia Nacional?

Previously focused primarily on combating drug trafficking and organized crime, the Guardia Nacional will now actively participate – in coordination with relevant environmental authorities – in protecting natural resources. This includes preventative measures, investigations, and the prosecution of environmental offenses. Specifically, the reform empowers the National Guard to address issues like illegal logging, poaching, trafficking of protected species, and the degradation of ecosystems. The acting will be governed by principles of human rights and inter-institutional collaboration.

Juanita Guerra Mena, President of the Senate’s Guardia Nacional Commission, affirmed that the approval of the reform will allow the Guardia Nacional to participate in the protection of natural resources, surveillance of protected areas, and the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of environmental crimes.

A Shift in Focus: From Streets to Forests

This expansion of the Guardia Nacional’s mandate represents a notable shift in its operational focus. Although the force will continue to address traditional security concerns, it will now also dedicate resources to environmental protection. This move acknowledges the growing link between environmental crime and broader security threats, as illegal activities like logging and poaching often fund criminal organizations.

The reform is intended to complement existing environmental protection efforts, rather than replace them. The Guardia Nacional will work in conjunction with existing environmental agencies and authorities, ensuring a coordinated approach to conservation and enforcement. The goal is to avoid duplication of efforts and foster a collaborative framework between security forces and environmental specialists.

Specific Areas of Intervention

The reform doesn’t specify a comprehensive list of areas where the Guardia Nacional will immediately deploy. Although, examples cited include the Biosphere Reserve of Calakmul in Campeche, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve in Michoacán, and the Alto Gulf of California and Colorado River Delta Biosphere Reserve in Sonora. These areas are all part of the federal system of environmental conservation.

The Guardia Nacional’s involvement will extend to a range of activities, including patrolling protected areas, monitoring for illegal activities, responding to environmental emergencies, and assisting in investigations. The force will also be responsible for enforcing environmental regulations and apprehending individuals involved in environmental crimes.

What’s Next?

The approved reform now moves to the Chamber of Deputies for further discussion and potential modifications. If approved by the Chamber of Deputies, the changes to the Ley de la Guardia Nacional will be enacted, officially expanding the Guardia Nacional’s authority to include environmental protection.

Following enactment, the Guardia Nacional will need to develop specific protocols and training programs to prepare its personnel for their new environmental protection responsibilities. This will likely involve collaboration with environmental experts and agencies to ensure that the force is equipped to effectively address the unique challenges of environmental enforcement.

The Senate’s decision reflects a growing recognition of the importance of environmental security in Mexico. By expanding the Guardia Nacional’s mandate to include environmental protection, the government aims to strengthen its ability to safeguard the country’s natural resources and combat environmental crime. The Comisión Ordinaria de la Guardia Nacional will play a key role in overseeing the implementation of these changes and ensuring the Guardia Nacional operates within the bounds of the law and respects human rights.