Should Former Mexican Cartel Lawyers Serve as Criminal Judges?

By Russ Warner, Chief Operating Officer—

Silvia Delgado, El Chapo’s ex-lawyer, becomes judge—sparking outrage, trust concerns, and calls for stricter judicial vetting.

In a move that’s generating serious controversy, Silvia Delgado, the former attorney for drug kingpin Joaquín “El Chapo” Guzmán, was elected as a criminal judge in Mexico this week. This appointment has raised red flags among critics of Mexico’s judicial reform, which is already considered one of the most radical overhauls in the Western Hemisphere in recent years.

Should someone who once defended one of Mexico’s most dangerous criminals now have the power to administer justice? Many believe this decision puts the country’s rule of law at risk. While every citizen has the right to work and run for public office, the symbolism behind this appointment cannot be ignored.

Experts warn that this decision weakens institutional checks and balances and opens the door to possible infiltration by organized crime. Public trust in the fairness of the justice system is already fragile, and this case may deepen citizens’ skepticism toward their institutions.

Stronger safeguards must be implemented when selecting judges to rebuild credibility. Integrity screening tools like EyeDetect can play a key role here. EyeDetect enables fast, accurate, noninvasive personnel testing in sensitive public positions. Regular testing like this helps promote a culture of honesty and accountability.

In a time when corruption and violence remain top concerns for Mexican citizens, ensuring the independence of the judiciary is not optional — it’s essential.

Even if a former defense attorney can legally serve as a judge, the public’s trust in the justice system depends on its perceived integrity. Are we willing to accept that those once aligned with crime are now positioned to deliver justice?

How we answer that question will shape the future of democracy and public safety in Mexico.

Photo by: Alejandro Pohlenz