Ley Valeria: Mexico Criminalizes Stalking at the Federal Level
MEXICO CITY, March 7, 2026 – In a landmark move to address persistent harassment, the Mexican Chamber of Deputies has unanimously approved the “Ley Valeria,” a legislative reform that officially tipifies stalking (acecho) as a federal crime. The reform aims to close a long-standing legal loophole that previously left victims of non-physical harassment without protection.
Understanding the Reform
The Ley Valeria modifies the Federal Penal Code to define and sanction stalking—commonly referred to as “stalking”—as an autonomous crime. This legal shift moves away from the traditional “physical injury” paradigm of Mexican criminal law, recognizing that repeated surveillance, following, and unwanted communication constitute a severe form of violence that precedes more physical aggressions.
Definition of the Offense
Under this new law, stalking is defined as the repeated conduct of following, surveilling, or attempting to communicate insistently with another person without their consent. The law specifically targets patterns of behavior rather than isolated incidents, focusing on actions that undermine the victim’s sense of security and freedom of movement.
Sanciones and Penalties
The reform establishes clear criminal consequences for those found guilty of stalking:
- Prison Sentence: One to four years of imprisonment.
- Financial Fines: Up to 400 days of fines (estimated at approximately 65,000 MXN in certain jurisdictions).
- Aggravating Factors: Penalties may increase if the victim is a minor, a person with disabilities, or if a previous relationship existed between the stalker and the victim.
Origin of the Law
The initiative is named after Valeria Macías, a teacher who documented and publicized a harrowing case of persistent stalking. Her activism, alongside feminist legal groups, highlighted that existing laws were insufficient because they often required physical harm or a specific threat of death to intervene. The Ley Valeria was designed to intervene at the “surveillance” stage to prevent escalation into femicide or physical assault.
Key Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Official Name | Ley Valeria (Reform to the Federal Penal Code) |
| Primary Crime Tipified | Acecho (Stalking) |
| Approval Date (Chamber) | February 18, 2026 |
| Minimum Prison Term | 1 Year |
| Maximum Prison Term | 4 Years |
| Maximum Fine | 400 days of multa |
| Legal Scope | Federal (Mexico) |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Ley Olimpia and Ley Valeria?
While both address modern forms of violence, Ley Olimpia focuses on digital violence and the unauthorized sharing of intimate graphic material. Ley Valeria specifically targets the physical or digital pattern of following, watching, and persistent unwanted contact (stalking).
Does this law only apply to women?
While the law was driven by feminist activism and the need to protect women from gender-based violence, the legal language in the Federal Penal Code applies to any individual who engages in the defined conduct of stalking, regardless of gender.
Can a single unwanted message lead to jail?
No. The law requires the conduct to be “reiterated” (repeated). Isolated incidents or social interactions that do not constitute a pattern of surveillance or persistent intimidation do not meet the legal threshold for stalking under Ley Valeria.
When did the Chamber of Deputies approve it?
The Chamber of Deputies approved the reform by unanimity on February 18, 2026, with further legislative steps and discussions continuing through early March 2026.