Mexican Deputies Give Final Approval to Anti-Extortion Law, Raising Sentences to 42 Years

Historic Legislative Approval

The Mexican Chamber of Deputies has given its final approval to a new anti-extortion law, a significant legislative measure designed to combat the country's escalating crime rates. The bill, which increases prison sentences for extortion to up to 42 years, received ratification on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, with 409 votes in favor, 33 against, and one abstention. This approval marks the culmination of a legislative process that involved both chambers of Mexico's Congress.

Key Provisions and Enhanced Penalties

The newly approved legislation, formally known as the General Law for the Prevention, Investigation, and Punishment of Extortion Crimes, introduces several critical changes to Mexico's legal framework. Its primary objective is to standardize the definition and punishment of extortion across all 32 states, addressing previous inconsistencies in state laws.

• Increased Prison Sentences: The law establishes a base penalty of 15 to 25 years in prison, with aggravating circumstances allowing sentences to reach up to 42 years. This is a substantial increase from the previous maximum of 15 years.
• Ex Officio Prosecution: Authorities will now be mandated to investigate and prosecute extortion cases ex officio, meaning investigations can proceed without the need for a fully identified complainant, thereby facilitating anonymous reporting.
• Penalties for Public Servants: The law introduces stringent penalties for public officials involved in or failing to report extortion. Officials who do not report known extortion crimes could face 10 to 20 years in prison, while prison authorities or public servants who facilitate such crimes may be jailed for 15 to 25 years. Inmates and penitentiary staff found using or allowing electronic devices for criminal activities face sentences of 6 to 12 years.
• Aggravating Circumstances: Penalties can be further increased based on factors such as the use of weapons, the direct impact on a community's economy, or the use of electronic devices in the commission of the crime.

Context of Rising Crime

The passage of this law comes in response to a significant surge in extortion across Mexico. Extortion has become one of the most prevalent and profitable crimes for organized crime groups, frequently targeting small businesses, transport operators, and entire communities. Official figures indicate a 7% rise in extortion incidents in the first six months of the year, with 5,887 registered victims.

President Claudia Sheinbaum, who promoted the initiative, has publicly acknowledged that extortion is the only crime she has failed to reduce during her first year in office, despite broader security efforts. Lawmakers hope this unified and tougher legal framework will provide a more effective national response to a crime that has been described as 'the fastest-growing crime in Mexico.'

Next Steps

Following its ratification by the Chamber of Deputies, the bill will now be sent to the Executive for publication in the Official Gazette of the Federation (DOF), after which it will officially enter into force. This final step will formalize the implementation of the new measures aimed at strengthening public security and restoring trust in the justice system across Mexico.