Cancún Mayor Defends Safety Amid U.S. Travel Warning Backlash

Cancún, Mexico — Cancún Mayor Ana Paty Peralta has faced sharp criticism for her response to a U.S. government travel advisory warning of an unprecedented rise in terrorism-related crimes, organized crime, and kidnappings in Mexican destinations, including Cancún. The advisory outlines varying risk levels, with reports suggesting former U.S. President Donald Trump has secretly authorized military force against drug cartels in Latin America, according to The New York Times.

Contradictory Statements from Mexican Officials

While Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo dismissed the allegations, asserting that all 32 Mexican states remain safe for tourists, Mayor Peralta offered a conflicting perspective.

“Other countries are in the same category as Mexico—for example, France and England, if I’m not mistaken. The important thing is to understand that this is a Level 2 advisory, which means taking precautions,” Peralta stated.

The mayor acknowledged that Cancún is classified under Level 2 out of 4 in the U.S. warning system, despite her administration and the Quintana Roo Attorney General’s Office frequently claiming a 25% reduction in such crimes.

Questions Over Crime Statistics and Transportation Risks

Critics have questioned the discrepancy between official crime statistics and the U.S. assessment. Peralta urged tourists to exercise caution, advising against nighttime travel to isolated areas, using unauthorized transportation, or engaging with drugs—acknowledging that such risks exist in her jurisdiction.

Notably, neighboring states Campeche and Yucatán were excluded from the U.S. advisory, despite sharing the Yucatán Peninsula with Quintana Roo.

Taxi Union Ties to Organized Crime

The mayor’s remarks were further scrutinized following reports linking Cancún’s authorized taxi services to drug cartels. The Quintana Roo Attorney General’s Office has previously accused taxi unions in Peralta’s jurisdiction of involvement in torture and murders tied to criminal organizations.

Peralta maintained that tourist safety is her administration’s priority, insisting that incidents affecting visitors are minimal—less than 1%—while acknowledging that violent crimes predominantly impact locals.

Criticism from Former First Lady

Beatriz Gutiérrez Müller, former First Lady of Mexico, rebuked Peralta’s remarks, stating:

“May the intelligence she lacks continue to guide her.”

The mayor’s comparison of Mexico’s security situation to other nations facing similar challenges has been widely condemned as an inadequate response from a public official.