The government wants to allow foreign immigration and customs agents to carry arms while in the country, an issue that has historically been a source of tension with the United States.
Under proposed legislation, foreign agents would be authorized to carry arms in certain previously established zones. The United States has historically pushed for such a reform, arguing that it would help protect its law enforcement officials.
In 2011, Jaime Zapata, an unarmed U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent was killed when his car was ambushed by a drug gang in San Luis Potosi.
The goal of the proposal is to “strengthen commercial exchange and diplomatic relations between Mexico and other nations,” a government statement said.
The reform would also allow foreign leaders or government officials to enter the country with armed security personnel.