Mexico deputy proposes harsher prison terms for renting property used in human trafficking

Mexican Deputy Mario Alberto López Hernández of the Green Ecological Party of Mexico (PVEM) has proposed a legislative reform to increase prison sentences for individuals who rent or lease property knowing it is being used for human trafficking. The initiative seeks to raise the minimum sentence from two years to five years, with a range of five to seven years.

The proposal aims to modify Article 34 of the General Law to Prevent, Punish, and Eradicate Crimes in Matters of Human Trafficking and for the Protection and Assistance of Victims of these Crimes. By targeting the material conditions that facilitate exploitation, the reform intends to dismantle criminal networks and enhance public safety.

López Hernández stated that the measure aligns with Mexico’s international obligations to implement effective legislative actions to deter and punish all forms of participation in trafficking. The initiative has been referred to the Human Rights Commission of the Chamber of Deputies for review.