Tourist Police Suspended in Cancun Hotel Clash

Cancun's Mayor, Ana Patricia Peralta, has confirmed that officers from the Tourist Police have been suspended following allegations of aggression towards tourists at the Riu Caribe Hotel in Quintana Roo. The Mayor expressed her regret over the incident on social media but did not reveal the number of officers involved or their identities.

The incident, which took place on January 25, involved accusations of assault by both the Tourist Police and hotel security guards. The officers' conduct is currently under investigation, including whether there was an excessive use of force by the private security guards.

The tourists involved claim they were mistreated and humiliated, stating they were sitting in a pool when staff demanded they leave. They allege that public force was used to remove them from the area. Videos circulating on social media show three people in swimwear being subdued on the ground by police officers. In subsequent shots, the individuals appear seated on the asphalt and handcuffed.

However, both the authorities and the Spanish hotel chain dispute this account. They argue that the tourists were asked to leave the pool for not complying with the rules, including not jumping into the pool due to its shallow depth. The hotel's statement claims that the guests assaulted several staff members after being asked to leave the pool, prompting a call to the authorities.

Following the incident going viral, an investigation was launched to determine the responsibilities involved. The Mayor stated that the videos circulating online contain cuts that make it difficult to fully understand what transpired. The Cancun Secretariat of Citizen Security is also investigating the incident, suggesting that the family involved displayed aggressive behavior towards the staff, potentially leading to an accident.

Mayor Peralta has assured the public that action will be taken against those found responsible, with full transparency and adherence to the law. She previously stated that all individuals, whether tourists or residents, are a priority, and that there will be no tolerance for abuses of authority, excessive use of force, or acts of corruption.

The investigation is ongoing, with the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security and Traffic, the State Attorney General's Office, and the people and security staff involved in the incident all collaborating. Mayor Peralta concluded her message by reaffirming the commitment to ensuring the integrity of all inhabitants and visitors in Cancun, and that they will work closely with the Prosecutor's Office to see the investigation through to its conclusion.