Summary

Mexico’s military has become deeply entrenched in civil life, expanding beyond public security to control infrastructure projects, airports, customs, and even luxury tourism ventures like the Mayan Train.

This trend accelerated under former President López Obrador, who dismantled the federal police and relied on the military for major tasks, bypassing transparency and civilian oversight.

Critics warn the military’s growing power undermines democracy, worsens human rights abuses, and weakens civil institutions.

Current President Claudia Sheinbaum appears poised to continue this militarized governance model, with demilitarization unlikely in the near future.