Narco-Cartels backed by China aim to disrupt judicial reform in Mexico: the new Trump Administration's plan to counter the fentanyl crisis and China's influence in the region

A number of constitutional amendments to restructure Mexico's judicial system came into force on September 16, 2024.

The reform, which provides for the replacement of 7,000 judges of all instances and establishes the election of judges by popular vote, the anonymity of judges who consider cases related to drug trafficking and organized crime, and a reduction in the number and tenure of Supreme Court judges, is aimed at eradicating corruption in the Mexican judicial system.

Introducing an anonymous judicial system and automated case distribution makes it impossible to manipulate judges and effectively deprives the mafia of leverage. The possibility of bribing judges is reduced, as the parties will not know who will hear their case in advance.

According to the administration of former President Lopez Obrador, who was one of the main lobbyists for the renewal of the Mexican judiciary, the reform should remove the judiciary from the influence of external forces, in particular the axis of autocracies led by China, weaken family and other informal ties in the judiciary, and help strengthen the judiciary's accountability.