Mexico City Congress Seeks Up to 6 Years in Prison for Stalking
Mexico City, March 4, 2026 – The Mexico City Congress is moving to criminalize stalking, with a proposed initiative that could see offenders facing up to six years in prison. The bill, presented by Morena Deputy Adriana Espinosa de los Monteros García, aims to amend the local Penal Code to specifically address stalking as a form of violence, particularly against women and vulnerable groups.
Penal Code Reform Proposed
During a regular session of the Mexico City Congress on March 3, 2026, Deputy Espinosa de los Monteros García introduced the initiative, which suggests penalties of up to four years in prison and fines of 500 times the Unit of Measurement and Update (UMA) for individuals convicted of stalking. The proposed legislation includes provisions to increase the sentence by half, potentially reaching six years in prison, if the victim is a woman, a person with disabilities, a minor, or in a vulnerable situation. Aggravated penalties would also apply if there was a prior emotional relationship between the victim and the aggressor.
Defining Stalking in the Penal Code
Deputy Espinosa de los Monteros clarified that the objective is to add a new Chapter VII to the local Penal Code. This chapter would legally recognize stalking as the persistent act of observing, following, monitoring, or communicating with a person by any means, including digital or technological, without their consent. The legislator emphasized that stalking often marks the beginning of an escalation of violence that can lead to feminicide, and it should not be mistaken for romantic persistence. The initiative highlights that the lack of autonomous legal classification for stalking has perpetuated scenarios of impunity, and therefore, specific sanctions are sought for this behavior.
Official Action in Stalking Cases
The proposal also includes provisions for authorities to act ex officio in cases where there is a risk to the victim or when the victim is a minor, allowing for immediate protective measures. The reforms aim to:
- Strengthen the safety of women in the capital.
- Recognize stalking as a specific form of violence.
- Provide the state with tools to intervene and protect victims.
The Morena deputy noted that these reforms are not isolated, as the Chamber of Deputies has also acknowledged the need to address and sanction stalking. She stressed that this modification sends a clear message to stop normalizing control and persecution in relationships.
Legislative Support and Next Steps
At the close of the session, the Board of Directors announced that deputies Elizabeth Mateos Hernández, Judith Vanegas Tapia, Cecilia Vadillo Obregón, and Pedro Haces Lago joined the initiative. The bill has been forwarded to the Administration and Justice Procurement Commission for analysis and review.
This legislative effort comes as part of broader discussions around International Women’s Day, underscoring a commitment to combat gender-based violence and enhance legal protections for victims of stalking in Mexico City.
