Benito Juárez may swap jail time for sargassum cleanup

Cancún, Quintana Roo — The municipal government of Benito Juárez is evaluating a proposal to allow offenders to commute their arrest sentences by participating in community service, specifically the collection of sargassum from local beaches. Jorge Rivero, Director of Civic Courts, confirmed that authorities are reviewing the feasibility of reinstating this measure, which had been implemented in previous years.

Evaluating the Feasibility of Community Service

Rivero explained that the initiative would permit detainees to fulfill their sentences by cleaning sargassum, an invasive seaweed that has plagued the region’s coastlines. "We are assessing this option because it involves significant responsibility. Ultimately, we remain accountable for the offenders," he stated.

The program would require logistical coordination, including the deployment of custodial staff to supervise participants. Rivero noted that factors such as shift duration—ranging from three to five hours, depending on the offense—as well as safety precautions against dehydration and heat exposure, must be carefully considered.

Addressing Economic and Logistical Challenges

Rivero emphasized that not all offenders can afford monetary fines, making arrest hours a common alternative. "We can impose sentences from 5 to 36 hours, depending on the violation. However, working under the sun presents risks, so we must ensure proper hydration and supervision," he added.

The proposal would also require additional resources, including transportation and personnel. "We would need to mobilize custodians, vehicles, and supplies. It’s a responsibility we’re weighing to determine if it’s viable," Rivero said.

Detention Center Statistics Highlight Weekend Surge

According to Rivero, the municipal detention center processes an average of 50 detainees on weekends, while weekday numbers drop below 10. The potential reintroduction of sargassum cleanup as an alternative to detention could alleviate overcrowding while addressing an ongoing environmental challenge.

The measure, if approved, would mark a renewed effort to balance punitive actions with community benefit, leveraging offenders’ labor to mitigate the ecological and economic impacts of sargassum accumulation.