Mexico Strengthens Fight Against Illegal Logging with National Guard

The Green Party in Mexico is prioritizing the defense of natural resources as a national security issue, and authorities are increasing collaboration with the National Guard to combat illegal logging. The Federal Attorney for Environmental Protection (Profepa) has conducted over 216 operations in the State of Mexico since 2022 without fully stopping the illegal logging.

The Green Party argues that persistent environmental crimes require a stronger, more coordinated institutional strategy. A constitutional reform passed in December 2024 now allows environmental authorities to request support from the armed forces, including the National Guard, to prevent, investigate, and combat crimes affecting natural resources and protected areas.

This adjustment was recently demonstrated during a large national operation on July 10th, deploying personnel from Profepa, various secretariats, the National Guard, and local law enforcement across 25 states to protect high-risk forest areas. The Green Party believes this collaboration is essential for preserving Mexico’s forest heritage and dismantling criminal organizations involved in illegal deforestation.