Introduction to Luis Rodríguez Bucio
From the military to diplomacy, the new head of the Mexican Consulate in Dallas is taking on a new form of public service. Consul General Luis Rodríguez Bucio is a former commander of the Mexican National Guard and assistant secretary of the Department of Public Safety.
Rodríguez Bucio, 68, was appointed by Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum and took over the consulate on Aug. 1. Under Andrés Manuel López Obrador‘s presidency, Rodríguez Bucio served as commander of the National Guard from 2019 to 2023, when he assumed leadership of the Department of Public Safety in Mexico.
Breaking News
Luis Rodríguez Bucio, new Mexican consul general in Dallas, speaks to The Dallas Morning News at the Consulate of Mexico, Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in Dallas.
Chitose Suzuki / Staff Photographer
Background and Experience
Born and raised in Michoacán, a state in western Mexico, Rodríguez Bucio was 17 when he was accepted into the Heroic Military College, Mexico’s major military educational institution. After graduating, he served in various positions in Mexico and overseas.
“President Claudia Sheinbaum told us, ‘I want consuls in the territory, not so much in desks.’ So I am looking forward to visiting the places where the Mexican community gathers, to see how they live, what they do and explore our jurisdiction,” Rodríguez Bucio told The Dallas Morning News.
He wants to improve and speed up consulate services, foster relationships with Mexican business leaders and entrepreneurs and strengthen commercial ties between Mexico and the United States. He also wants to leave the confines of the consulate to meet with the diverse Mexican community in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
Rodríguez Bucio’s appointment as consul general in Dallas marks the beginning of his diplomatic career.
In 2017 he became the first Mexican military officer to serve as president of the Inter-American Defense Board, an Organization of American States institution that promotes security and defense cooperation among the American continent. The board facilitates dialogue and collaboration on military and civil issues in Washington, D.C.
Rodríguez Bucio said his time working there with leaders and community members from multiple countries and his military experience prepared him to serve as consul general in Dallas.
Rodríguez Bucio also held positions as commander of the director of the Research and Development Center of the Mexican Army and Air Force, chief of staff of the Department of the National Defense and military attaché in Germany and Poland.
Work to Do
The Mexican consulate hosted multiple meetings with community leaders during his first days in office, including Mexican Ambassador to the U.S. Esteban Moctezuma Barragán.
Rodríguez Bucio said the community has been very welcoming and told him they were ready to work with and assist him in any way possible. He also learned about the challenges they are facing.
Community leaders told him that Mexicans in the North Texas community are fearful due to the federal government’s crackdown on illegal immigration.
“To all Mexicans, regardless of their status, the consulate is here to serve them,” Rodríguez Bucio said. “We are here to support them if they have legal or immigration issues. We have a protection department that provides support and advice.”
He said he would communicate with local, state and federal authorities to ensure the rights of Mexican citizens are respected.
Rodríguez Bucio said he will continue to promote the External Legal Advice Program, which provides Mexicans in the U.S. with free or low-cost legal advice, and all the other consulate services.
He said he wants the Mexican community in North Texas to know that the consulate is more than just a place to get a passport — it’s a safe and helpful resource. He wants constant feedback on how consulate employees treat people and to know if Mexicans feel welcomed.
The Mexican Consulate in Dallas serves between 22,000 and 25,000 people monthly, including weekends. The number of requests for dual citizenship has spiked since the beginning of the year.
Rodríguez Bucio said more parents want their children to have Mexican passports in case of an emergency. He asked Moctezuma Barragán to request additional resources for the consulate in Dallas so it can process applications more quickly.
He said there is a lot of work to be done at the consulate and within the community. He added he is eager to meet the vibrant and diverse people of the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and plans to enjoy the area’s sports and arts scene in his free time.
Conclusion
Luis Rodríguez Bucio is the new consul general of Mexico in Dallas, and he is ready to serve the Mexican community in North Texas. With his extensive military and diplomatic experience, he is well-equipped to improve consulate services, foster relationships with Mexican business leaders, and strengthen commercial ties between Mexico and the United States. He is committed to supporting Mexicans in the area, regardless of their status, and ensuring their rights are respected.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who is the new consul general of Mexico in Dallas?
A: Luis Rodríguez Bucio is the new consul general of Mexico in Dallas.
Q: What is Rodríguez Bucio’s background and experience?
A: Rodríguez Bucio is a former commander of the Mexican National Guard and assistant secretary of the Department of Public Safety. He has also served as president of the Inter-American Defense Board and held various positions in the Mexican military.
Q: What are Rodríguez Bucio’s goals as consul general?
A: Rodríguez Bucio wants to improve and speed up consulate services, foster relationships with Mexican business leaders and entrepreneurs, and strengthen commercial ties between Mexico and the United States. He also wants to support Mexicans in the area, regardless of their status, and ensure their rights are respected.
Q: How can Mexicans in North Texas contact the consulate for
