Politics · Mexico · 2 hrs ago
Mexico City proposes civic process for some minor thefts and damage
Mexico City’s government proposed a civic process for some minor thefts and property damage before cases reach prosecutors.
The plan covers property damage worth up to 50 UMA, about 5,800 pesos, and certain thefts without violence or repeat offending.
Victims could seek compensation through civic courts or choose criminal proceedings, and the proposal would not change the criminal code or remove prosecutors’ powers.
Cases involving physical violence, aggravating factors or more serious conduct would not qualify for this route.
Civic judges would hold public oral hearings and could order compensation, community work or arrest, with support such as psychological care or education considered for some people.
The Mexico City Congress must discuss the proposal and decide which conduct can be handled through the civic process.
Mexico City’s government has proposed resolving certain low-value thefts and property damage through civic procedures before cases reach prosecutors.
The proposal would allow victims to seek restitution or choose a criminal complaint instead.
Eligible cases would have to meet conditions, including no physical violence, aggravating factors or repeat offending in specified theft cases.
Possible sanctions include repairing the damage, community work or arrest.
The proposal also provides for public oral hearings and referrals to psychological care, education, training or employment programs.
- Who
- Mexico City Chief of Government Clara Brugada presented the proposal.
- What
- The proposal would send certain low-value theft and property-damage cases to civic courts for resolution.
- When
- October 19, 2026.
- Where
- Mexico City; Brugada presented it at a conference in the Old City Hall.
- Why
- The government says the process could resolve everyday conflicts, help victims obtain restitution and prevent cases from escalating.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Clara Brugada presented the proposed reform at a conference in the Old City Hall.
The Mexico City Congress will discuss the proposal and determine which conduct may be handled through the civic process.
- Damage threshold
- Up to 50 UMA, equivalent to about 5,800 pesos
- Eligible theft cases
- Certain cases without violence or repeat offending
- Possible sanctions
- Restitution, community work or arrest
- Hearing format
- Public oral hearings before civic judges
- Victim’s choice
- Affected people may pursue a criminal complaint or a civic procedure