Overview
- The Morena-led majority passed the Ley Orgánica de la Armada de México over opposition from PAN, PRI and Movimiento Ciudadano, and the law will take effect the day after publication in the Diario Oficial de la Federación.
- The statute broadens SEMAR’s missions to protect national maritime interests, oversee port security and preserve maritime sovereignty, including authority to board and inspect vessels and detain individuals tied to maritime crimes.
- It authorizes the right of visit and pursuit in the Exclusive Economic Zone and on the high seas and enables participation in cyberdefense, cybersecurity and the use of artificial intelligence in operations, recognizing SEMAR’s role within the national intelligence structure.
- A command reorganization creates the Jefatura de Operaciones Navales to replace the Estado Mayor and adds new superior command levels, with related adjustments to operational unit classifications and advisory bodies.
- The law allows SEMAR to exercise its attributions with the National Guard alongside the Army and Air Force, while opponents warn of excessive executive control, insufficient civilian oversight and a failure to address alleged huachicol fiscal corruption; proposed opposition amendments were rejected.