Overview
- The Education Secretary, Mario Delgado, announced the appointment on January 19–20 and praised Garduño as a “funcionario ejemplar,” linking the role to the Bachillerato Nacional reform and Plan México priorities.
- Human-rights and victims’ organizations including FJEDD, IMUMI, DHIA and the Alaíde Foppa clinic condemned the move, arguing he remains imputado for exercise of public service misconduct and lacks a proven education background.
- On January 21, President Claudia Sheinbaum said Garduño had completed his case and is not under any legal process, noting his credentials and saying multiple profiles were reviewed for the post.
- Garduño led the INM during the March 27, 2023 Ciudad Juárez detention-center fire that killed 40 migrants and injured others; an appeals court granted a conditional suspension in April 2025, and he issued a court-ordered public apology in September 2025.
- Investigative reports and audit findings have cited irregular INM contracts and possible diversion of funds during his tenure, which critics now point to in questioning his suitability for the SEP position.