Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Mexico Supreme Court Strikes Down Sinaloa’s ‘Halconeo’ Law in 6–2 Vote

The 6–2 ruling rejects a vague, disproportionate statute, reinforcing constitutional protections for access to information, press freedom, legality.

Overview

  • The court invalidated Article 293 bis, Section III of Sinaloa’s penal code, which punished obtaining information on security operations “using any technological means.”
  • Justices found the wording overbroad and vague, said it criminalized legitimate information-gathering, and warned of a chilling effect on reporting about public security.
  • The case was brought by the National Human Rights Commission through constitutional challenge 61/2025.
  • The ruling passed 6–2, with votes in favor from Sara Irene Herrerías, Irving Espinosa, Yasmín Esquivel, Giovanni Figueroa, Arístides Guerrero, and Chief Justice Hugo Aguilar; María Estela Ríos and Lenia Batres dissented, with Ríos citing risks to security operations and potential foreign repercussions.
  • The decision creates a national reference point, as Article 19 notes at least 19 states have similar offenses that may now face legal challenges.