DIF Benito Juárez Responds Four Days After Two Minors Fled Shelter, Alleging Abuse

Cancún, Quintana Roo — Four days after two teenage girls escaped from a temporary shelter and posted a video alleging physical and psychological abuse, the DIF Benito Juárez system finally issued a statement Tuesday saying it had followed institutional protocols.

The delayed response has drawn sharp public criticism, as municipal authorities took days to address the situation that raised questions about the safety and treatment of minors in state custody.

In its statement, the agency said the girls — identified as M.C.R., 15, and N.L.A., 17 — left the Casa de Asistencia Temporal without authorization on July 10. Officials said they activated search protocols immediately and notified the Quintana Roo State Prosecutor’s Office to issue Amber Alerts. However, the measures did not prevent the minors from turning to social media to air their complaints.

Regarding the video that circulated widely online, in which the teens described neglect and confinement, DIF Benito Juárez said it promptly referred the matter to the state prosecutor’s office for investigation.

The agency stated it handed over the victims’ accounts to the ministerial authority to conduct the corresponding inquiries, determine responsibility, and clarify the facts under the principle of the best interests of the child.

While DIF reiterated its commitment to child protection and said it is cooperating closely with authorities, the institutional response has left unanswered questions about internal oversight mechanisms and the lack of an immediate stance on a crisis involving vulnerable minors under state care.