Mexico City: PAN proposes criminalizing contract killings; Prohibition Law for Judicial Election

The PAN party in the Mexico City Congress introduced an initiative to criminalize the crime of contract killing , with penalties of up to 50 years in prison, following the murder of collaborators of the Mayor. At the same time, the implementation of the Prohibition Law was announced during the weekend of the judicial election.

Two issues of high political and social relevance for Mexico City have taken center stage on May 28, 2025: a legislative proposal to combat contract killings and preventive measures for the unprecedented judicial election.

Following the double homicide of Ximena Guzmán and José Muñoz, close associates of Mayor Clara Brugada, on May 20, the National Action Party (PAN) faction in the Mexico City Congress formally presented an initiative to classify the crime of contract killing in the local Penal Code.

The proposal, sponsored by Representative Olivia Garza, seeks to add Section IX to Article 138 of the Federal District Penal Code. This addition would establish penalties ranging from 20 to 50 years in prison for those who commit this crime. The main motivation is the perception that the concept of "qualified homicide" is insufficient to address the complexity and organized structure that often underlies contract killings. Proponents argue that it is necessary to investigate and punish not only the perpetrator, but also the entire chain of command involved: those who recruited, provided weapons, vehicles, information on the victims, and supported the executions.

According to Representative Garza, the phenomenon of contract killings has gained strength and presence in Mexico City, in part due to the rise of organized crime groups that have established the capital as a center of operations since 2017. The initiative aims to change the investigative paradigm to dismantle these criminal organizations.

This proposal, which emerged from the opposition and amid the turmoil surrounding a crime with potential political overtones, inevitably ties into the debate over security in the capital. While some may see it as a necessary tool to confront a growing crime pattern, others could interpret it as a political maneuver to pressure the local government. The outcome of this initiative in Congress and the positions adopted by other political forces, as well as the Mexico City Attorney General's Office, will be crucial in determining its future.

In other news, the Mexico City government, through Secretary of Government César Cravioto, announced the implementation of the Prohibition Law during the weekend corresponding to the election of members of the Judicial Branch, scheduled for Sunday, June 1.

The restrictive measure will apply from midnight on Saturday, May 31st, until 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, June 1st, in the capital's 16 boroughs. During this period, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be prohibited in establishments such as wine shops, convenience stores, convenience stores, restaurants, and bars, including home delivery services.

The official notice with all the details will be published in the Official Gazette of Mexico City on Thursday, May 29. The purpose of this measure, according to authorities, is to ensure that election day proceeds as smoothly as possible, in an atmosphere of order and tranquility.

"The goal is to ensure that election day is carried out in the best possible way." – César Cravioto, Secretary of Government of Mexico City, on the Prohibition Law.

This announcement is complemented by the preparation of a special security operation for election day, to ensure free citizen participation. In the context of an unprecedented election with pre-existing tensions, such as reports of "accordionism" and possible boycotts, the Prohibition and the security deployment take on additional relevance as part of the authorities' efforts to ensure an orderly electoral process with the greatest possible legitimacy.

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