From the US Intervention to the Revolution, as Benito Juarez's presidential guard and in disasters, the history of the FSPE is a lesson of sacrifice,
From the US Intervention to the Revolution, as Benito Juarez’s presidential guard and in disasters, the history of the FSPE is a lesson of sacrifice, loyalty, and transformation
On March 26, 1833, the State Congress decreed the creation of the First Light Battalion of Guanajuato, a direct predecessor of the FSPE, it is the oldest active corporation in Mexico
Guanajuato/Gto News
Exactly 192 years ago, the Congress of the State of Guanajuato issued Legislative Decree number 199, which formally created the State Security Battalion and Squadron, called the First Light Battalion of Guanajuato, made up at that time of 175 elements: 123 from the Infantry Battalion and 52 from the Cavalry Squadron. Thus was born one of the oldest and longest-standing institutions in Mexico: the State Public Security Forces (FSPE).
The decree, dated March 26, 1833, established that members must be Guanajuatense citizens of recognized conduct and courage, and that the corps must be supported with State resources, under a model of discipline and honor. Its purpose: to preserve internal order and serve the Motherland.
That spirit was soon put to the test. The First Light Battalion participated in the defense of the country as often as necessary, for example, in the wars of the 19th century: they fought in the Texas separatist conflict (1836), faced the invading army in the Battle of Monterrey, marched to La Angostura and Padierna during the American intervention, escorted President Benito Juarez when Guanajuato was designated capital of the Republic in 1857, and shone in the military exhibition described by the newspaper El Monitor in 1861 as “a corps comparable to the best in Europe.”
Already in the 20th century, transformed into State Public Security Forces, they took on a new face in a changing nation. During the Mexican Revolution, the Bajio region became a melting pot of battles that marked the course of constitutionalism. In that context, members of State forces defended order, legality, and social stability.
In 1938, they adopted the name General Public Security Police, and in 1945, they became the Directorate of Security Forces, with a broader structure and presence in the State.
In 1962, by order of the State Executive branch, the uniform similar to that of the Federal Army was retired and the cavalry was eliminated, thus marking the end of an era and the beginning of its civilian professionalization.
During the first decades of the 20th century, they maintained a semi-military character and deep local roots: from the 1950s they operated from the San Pedro Barracks, then in Pastita, and later, in Marfil, where they remained until 1990.
Over time, the FSPE also consolidated its role as a supportive institution, ready to lend a helping hand in the most difficult times. During the devastating floods in Leon (1926) and Irapuato (1973), its members collaborated in rescue, evacuation, and direct assistance to entire families, crossing flooded streets and at-risk areas to humanely and courageously assist those who suffered these tragedies.
Beginning in 2001, as the General Police Station of the FSPE, they were integrated into the State security model. In 2024, following a reform to the Organic Law of the Executive Branch, the then Secretary of Public Security adopted the name of the Secretary of Security and Peace and expanded its structure with new specialized areas to strengthen its operational capacity. That same year, the Operational Coordination strategy of the New Anti-Crime Intelligence Force (CONFIA) was presented, which articulates intelligence, investigation, outreach, and proximity with a vision of peacebuilding.
Today, the FSPE not only patrol Guanajuato’s 46 municipalities, but also:
- They investigate, combat crimes, protect, prevent, and save lives
Currently comprised of 3,900 members, this unit preserves the spirit of the First Light Battalion to fulfill its vocation of protecting the people of Guanajuato, as its national anthem states: With honor, sacrifice, and loyalty.
Being part of the FSPE goes beyond wearing a uniform: it means carrying on your shoulders nearly two centuries of history, discipline, and dedication. A history that honors its past, is proudly felt in the present, and continues forward, with its feet firmly planted on the ground and its gaze fixed on peace.
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