Legal Acts, Legislation & Treaties
This page provides reference documents essential to understanding extradition, immigration, asylum, and Interpol matters in Mexico. All documents are provided as downloadable PDFs alongside links to our detailed analyses where available.
Mexican Federal Legislation
The following Mexican federal laws are directly relevant to extradition defense, immigration rights, asylum proceedings, and constitutional protections.
Ley de Extradicion Internacional
Mexico’s domestic extradition statute, governing all extraditions when no bilateral treaty exists or when a treaty does not cover the specific situation.
Ley de Migracion
Mexico’s immigration law, governing entry, exit, residency categories, and the powers and limitations of the Instituto Nacional de Migracion (INM).
Ley sobre Refugiados, Proteccion Complementaria y Asilo Politico
Mexico’s refugee and asylum law, establishing COMAR’s mandate, the asylum process, and complementary protection mechanisms.
Ley de Amparo
The constitutional injunction law, providing the procedural framework for challenging government actions that violate constitutional rights.
Constitucion Politica de los Estados Unidos Mexicanos
Mexico’s federal constitution. The following articles are particularly relevant to extradition, immigration, and the rights of foreigners:
- Article 1: Equal protection, non-discrimination, and human rights obligations
- Article 11: Freedom of movement
- Article 15: Prohibition on extradition treaties that violate fundamental rights
- Article 20: Presumption of innocence and due process rights
- Article 33: Rights of foreigners and expulsion procedures
- Article 103: Federal court jurisdiction over constitutional violations
- Article 107: Amparo procedure
International Instruments
International treaties and conventions that Mexico has ratified and which are directly applicable to extradition, asylum, and human rights matters.
Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (Geneva, 1951)
The foundational international instrument for refugee protection, establishing the definition of a refugee and the principle of non-refoulement.
Cartagena Declaration on Refugees (1984)
The regional instrument that expanded the refugee definition in Latin America to include persons fleeing generalized violence, internal conflicts, and massive human rights violations.
American Convention on Human Rights (Pact of San Jose)
The inter-American human rights treaty that guarantees rights to due process, freedom of movement, and judicial protection — all directly relevant to extradition and immigration proceedings.
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
The UN covenant guaranteeing fundamental civil and political rights, including the right to a fair trial, freedom from arbitrary detention, and the right to leave and enter one’s own country.
Interpol
Interpol’s governing documents are essential for understanding the legal framework governing Red Notices, diffusions, and data processing rules.
Constitution of the ICPO-Interpol
Interpol’s founding document, which notably includes Article 3 — the prohibition on Interpol involvement in matters of a “political, military, religious, or racial character.”
Rules on the Processing of Data (RPD)
Interpol’s data processing rules, which govern how Red Notices are issued, reviewed, and deleted. These rules establish the legal basis for challenging Red Notices before the Commission for the Control of Interpol’s Files (CCF).
Bilateral Extradition Treaties
Mexico has extradition treaties with numerous countries. These treaties take precedence over the LEI when they exist and cover the relevant offense.
Treaty on Extradition Between the United States of America and the United Mexican States (1978)
The bilateral extradition treaty between the United States and Mexico, signed in 1978 and the most frequently applied extradition treaty in Mexico’s legal practice.
Disclaimer: The documents provided on this page are for informational and educational purposes. While we strive to provide current and accurate versions, laws and treaties may be amended. Always verify the current text through official sources such as the Diario Oficial de la Federacion (DOF) for Mexican legislation or the relevant treaty depositories for international instruments.
