Chihuahua legislators consider labor raids to combat child labor

Legislators in the Public Security and Civil Protection Commission of the Chihuahua State Congress are analyzing a proposal to authorize labor raids aimed at rescuing children from child labor situations. The proposal, submitted by the National Action Party (PAN), seeks to amend the General Law on the Rights of Girls, Boys, and Adolescents and the General Law of the National Public Security System to prevent child labor exploitation.

The proposed modifications include a strict prohibition on the employment of anyone under the age of 15. For adolescents aged 15 to 18, authorities would be required to ensure they are not engaged in activities that jeopardize their health, safety, morality, or development, nor employed in conditions that violate the law.

To enforce these measures, the proposal outlines special detection and rescue operations involving labor, security, migration, and child protection authorities. Minors identified in prohibited work would be placed under the care of the relevant Protection Prosecutor's Office, while those responsible for their exploitation would face administrative or criminal sanctions. Additionally, federal and local labor inspectors would be empowered to conduct periodic and surprise inspections in high-incidence sectors.