Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Mexico City Congress Unanimously Backs Tougher Penalties for Illegal Property Occupation

Lawmakers framed the overhaul as a response to rising invasion complaints within a broader security agenda.

Overview

  • Sentences for despojo increase to a 6–11 year range with fines set in UMAs, alongside changes to the Penal, Civil, Registral and Notarial laws.
  • A new Article 238 Bis punishes anyone who continues occupying a property after an authority has ordered them to cease or leave.
  • Aggravating factors now include victims over 60, involvement of public servants or notaries, identity fraud, group participation, family ties, false documents, or government-owned property, bringing penalties to the legal maximum.
  • The reform presumes bad faith when possession stems from simulated legal acts, titles known or expected to be invalid, or unregistered public deeds used to obtain an undue benefit.
  • The package passed with unanimous votes recorded in the plenary and also increases sanctions for threats, criminal association, and injuries driven by gender or prejudice, citing an 8% year-on-year rise in invasion complaints.