The Mexican Attorney General’s Office (FGR) has launched an investigation against two judges who issued key rulings against the Judicial Reform and imposed fines on officials involved in preparing for the 2025 elections.
This case has sparked intense political and legal debates, as critics claim it represents an attack on judicial independence, while the government argues that the judges acted outside their authority.
Who Are the Judges Under Investigation?
The FGR has targeted:
- Judge Sergio Santamaría Chamú – First District Judge in Michoacán
- Judge María Gabriela Ruiz Márquez – Sixth Administrative District Judge in Jalisco
Both judges are accused of obstructing the administration of justice by granting injunctions against the legislative process of judicial reform and issuing fines against public officials who continued preparing for the elections despite court orders.
Why Are They Being Investigated?
The investigation is centered on two main accusations:
- Blocking the Judicial Reform – The judges issued injunctions (amparos) against the reform, arguing that it contained constitutional violations.
- Halting the 2025 Election Process – Their rulings suspended preparations for the elections of Supreme Court justices, magistrates, and lower court judges.
According to the FGR, these rulings overstepped judicial authority, affecting the separation of powers and delaying government reforms.
Judges Denounce «Political Persecution»
The legal community has reacted strongly to the investigation, calling it a threat to judicial independence.
Magistrate Juan José Olvera López Speaks Out
Magistrate Juan José Olvera López condemned the FGR’s actions, calling it political persecution against judges who ruled against the government.
“A couple of colleagues issued injunctions against the judicial reform. They suspended the process while the issue is being resolved. Now they are under criminal investigation. What clearer example of persecution is there?”
He warned that this could set a dangerous precedent:
“If a judge dares to rule against the government, they will face these conditions. This seriously compromises judicial independence.”
Judge Ruiz Márquez Stands Firm
Judge María Gabriela Ruiz Márquez, one of the judges under investigation, defended her ruling, stating that she does not fear government retaliation.
“I have been trained in procedural law, and I know that if judges are afraid, no citizen can sleep peacefully at night.”
She insisted that the Judicial Reform is fundamentally flawed:
“This reform is filled with irregularities that make it completely invalid. This means the entire process should be annulled.”
Judge Ruiz Márquez also claimed that the government is trying to intimidate the judiciary into compliance:
“They are clearly trying to pressure us to change our rulings. I issued a decision that granted an injunction, annulling the legislative process of the reform and all its consequences.”
What Is the Judicial Reform Controversy?
The Judicial Reform proposed by the government seeks to:
- Overhaul the selection process for Supreme Court justices, magistrates, and judges.
- Introduce a new election system for judicial appointments.
- Expand government influence over the judiciary.
Critics argue that the reform threatens judicial independence, giving the executive branch too much power over the courts.
Judge Sergio Santamaría Chamú ruled against the reform, arguing that:
- The process violated constitutional principles.
- The elections could compromise judicial neutrality.
- There was insufficient legal basis for government intervention.
His ruling suspended the 2025 judicial elections and imposed fines on members of the National Electoral Institute (INE) and other officials for continuing with election preparations.
What Happens Next?
The FGR investigation could have serious implications for Mexico’s judiciary:
Possible Outcomes:
- Judges Could Face Criminal Charges
- If found guilty, the judges could be removed from office or even face criminal penalties.
- Judicial Independence at Risk
- Legal experts warn that this case could discourage other judges from ruling against government policies, weakening the separation of powers.
- Judicial Reform Could Advance Without Opposition
- If the government pressures the judiciary, it may push the reform through with minimal resistance.
International Response Expected
Legal experts predict that international human rights organizations may intervene, as this investigation could violate judicial autonomy.
- The United Nations (UN) has previously warned against political interference in Mexico’s judiciary.
- The Inter-American Court of Human Rights may review the case if judicial independence is compromised.
Final Thoughts: A Turning Point for Mexico’s Judiciary
The investigation into Judges Sergio Santamaría Chamú and María Gabriela Ruiz Márquez marks a critical moment for Mexico’s judicial independence.
As the 2025 elections approach, the battle over Judicial Reform will continue to shape Mexico’s legal and political landscape.
The key question remains: Will this investigation serve justice, or is it a strategy to silence dissenting judges?
The coming weeks will reveal the true impact of this controversial case.
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