Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — Three members of the National Guard in Mexico were arrested on Thursday, accused of raping a teenager on a beach in Isla Mujeres, a popular tourist destination in the state of Quintana Roo. According to an initial report from the State Attorney General’s Office, the arrested individuals were detained in the continental area of the tourist destination.
The incident allegedly occurred while the teenager was on the beach with her partner. Local media reported that a man initially threatened the couple, and a second assailant subsequently subdued them before abusing the minor. Despite the couple’s desperate attempt to bribe the agents, their efforts were futile, and the attack ensued, according to the sources.
“Following the complaint filed with the Specialized Prosecutor’s Office for Combating Sexual Crimes and the Free Development of Personality, this social representation opened an investigation file, for which it requested and granted a Control Judge the arrest warrant against the three subjects,” stated the State Prosecutor’s Office on July 16.
The arrest of these National Guard members is the latest in a series of troubling incidents involving federal security forces. Recently, other National Guard personnel have been implicated in serious crimes, including a homicide in León, Guanajuato, and an attack on a family in San Luis Potosí that resulted in the death of a 9-year-old girl.
These incidents have intensified scrutiny on the National Guard, especially in light of controversial reforms proposed by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s administration. The President aims to place the National Guard under the command of the Ministry of Defense (Sedena), arguing that this shift would provide the force with adequate resources and military training to combat crime effectively. However, this proposed transfer has faced staunch opposition, with critics insisting that the National Guard should remain a civilian body as stipulated by the Constitution.
The incoming government under President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum is expected to maintain the status quo regarding the National Guard. Sheinbaum has promised continuity, and Omar García Harfuch, the designated Secretary of Security, will not have authority over the National Guard. Despite the anticipated continuity, the issue of the National Guard’s role remains contentious, with many state governors expressing a continued need for their presence in street surveillance.
The recent arrest of the National Guard members in Isla Mujeres underscores systemic issues within federal security forces. Whether under Sedena or as a civilian body, the behavior of some agents remains a concern. Previous instances involving Army personnel have also highlighted abuses against civilians, suggesting that structural changes alone may not suffice to address the root causes of misconduct.
As the investigation into the Isla Mujeres incident progresses, the focus will likely remain on ensuring accountability and preventing future abuses. The case has reignited debates about the appropriate structure and oversight of Mexico’s federal security forces, highlighting the ongoing struggle to balance effective crime-fighting with respect for human rights and the rule of law.
