Congress authorizes entry of 19 Navy SEALs to Mexico to train Semar in Campeche from February 15 to April 16, 2026
CAMPECHE, Mexico — Mexico has authorized the entry of 19 U.S. Navy SEALs to provide specialized training to personnel from the Secretariat of the Navy (Semar), as part of a program aimed at strengthening special operations capabilities. The move, formalized by a decree published on February 18, 2026, reflects ongoing security cooperation between the two countries.
The training, dubbed “Improve the Capacity of Special Operations Forces,” will take place in Campeche, with the first sessions beginning February 15 and scheduled to conclude on April 16, 2026. This initiative comes as Mexico continues to address challenges related to organized crime and maritime security.
According to the official decree, President Claudia Sheinbaum was granted authorization by the Senate, in accordance with Article 76 of the Mexican Constitution, to allow the U.S. Military personnel to enter the country. The training will be conducted at the Specialized Infantry Marine Training and Qualification Center in San Luis Carpizo, Campeche and the Naval Sector of Ciudad del Carmen.
The 19 Navy SEAL instructors 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 bolstering Semar’s operational capabilities in high-risk scenarios, according to the decree.
Logistical Details of the Training Operation
The U.S. Personnel and their equipment will arrive via a U.S. Air Force C-130 Hercules aircraft at Campeche’s international airport. The aircraft is scheduled to return to the United States on April 16, 2026, to collect personnel and equipment upon completion of the training program.
The authorization from the Mexican Senate underscores a commitment to bolstering Mexico’s security forces through international collaboration. The decree explicitly states that the training is a strictly military endeavor, with no involvement from the General Directorate of Educational Materials.
This training initiative is part of a broader pattern of security cooperation between the two nations, with previous exercises authorized under congressional oversight. The development underscores the ongoing efforts to enhance Mexico’s capacity to address complex security challenges.
