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Mexico has authorized the entry of 19 U.S. Navy SEALs to conduct training exercises with personnel from the Secretaría de Marina-Armada de México (Semar), Mexico’s naval secretariat, through mid-April 2026. The move, formalized by a decree published in the Diario Oficial de la Federación (DOF), underscores ongoing security cooperation between the two nations. The training will focus on enhancing special operations capabilities and is slated to take place in Campeche, a state in southeastern Mexico.

The authorization, granted to President Claudia Sheinbaum by the Senate under Article 76 of the Mexican Constitution, allows the U.S. Personnel to remain in Mexico until April 16, 2026. This initiative, dubbed “Mejorar la Capacidad de las Fuerzas de Operaciones Especiales” (Improve the Capacity of Special Operations Forces), aims to bolster Semar’s tactical and operational skills in high-risk scenarios, particularly in maritime and terrestrial environments. The program builds on a history of bilateral cooperation in security matters, with previous exercises authorized under congressional oversight.

Details of the Training Operation

The 19 Navy SEAL instructors will conduct training at the Centro de Capacitación y Adiestramiento Especializado de Infantería de Marina in San Luis Carpizo, Campeche, and the Sector Naval de Ciudad del Carmen. According to the official decree, the U.S. Personnel possess expertise in maritime, land, and air missions, including counterterrorism and operations against international criminal groups. The focus will be on sharing training techniques and strengthening Semar’s operational capabilities, according to reporting from El Imparcial.

The U.S. Personnel and their equipment will arrive via a U.S. Air Force “Hércules” C-130 aircraft, landing at the Campeche International Airport “Ingeniero Alberto Acuña Ongay.” The aircraft will return to the United States on the same day of arrival and again on April 16, 2026, to collect the personnel and equipment upon completion of the training program. These operations will be conducted under the terms authorized by the Mexican Senate and the corresponding decree.

Legal Framework and Congressional Approval

The authorization for the entry of foreign military personnel is rooted in the Senate’s constitutional authority to permit the entry of foreign troops into national territory. The Senate approved the permit allowing President Sheinbaum to authorize the arrival of the 19 Navy SEALs for technical training and security cooperation. The decree explicitly states that the Dirección General de Materiales Educativos (General Directorate of Educational Materials) is not involved in the process, limiting the activity to the realm of military training. Ambito.com reports that U.S. Lawmakers have also expressed support for the training initiative.

The program of instruction seeks to enhance Semar’s special operations capabilities, particularly in high-risk missions in maritime and terrestrial settings. This collaboration is not unprecedented, as similar bilateral exercises have been authorized previously with congressional oversight. The decree specifies the dates, number of personnel, and conditions of their stay, ensuring the U.S. Instructors’ presence is limited to the authorized period and locations.

Regional Context and Future Implications

This training initiative occurs within a broader context of U.S.-Mexico security cooperation, addressing shared concerns regarding transnational criminal organizations and regional stability. Even as the focus is on enhancing Mexico’s internal security capabilities, it also aligns with U.S. Efforts to strengthen regional partnerships. The timing of this authorization comes after a report by El Imparcial detailing a previously unsuccessful Navy SEAL operation in North Korea during the Trump administration, highlighting the complex geopolitical landscape in which these security collaborations take place.

Looking ahead, the success of this training program will likely be evaluated based on Semar’s improved capabilities in special operations and its ability to address evolving security challenges. Continued cooperation between the U.S. And Mexico in security matters is expected, though future initiatives will likely require ongoing congressional approval and adherence to the legal frameworks established by both countries.

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