Federal Youth Program Enrolls 100 in Cancún and Playa del Carmen

Cancún, Quintana Roo — A federal program designed to steer young people away from crime has enrolled 100 residents of Cancún and Playa del Carmen, offering them stipends to take part in community work and violence-prevention activities, a senior security official said.

Beatriz Adriana Olivares Pinal, head of the National Center for Crime Prevention and Citizen Participation at the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System, said the program known as “Las y los Jóvenes Unen al Barrio” began operating in Quintana Roo in July.

The initiative targets people between the ages of 12 and 35 who live in areas designated as priorities. Olivares Pinal said officials also plan to extend the effort to rural communities in Felipe Carrillo Puerto, José María Morelos, Lázaro Cárdenas and Bacalar through door-to-door brigades under the “Territorios de Paz” strategy.

Budget and Payments

Nationally, the program has an authorized budget of 325,019,800 pesos for 2026 and foresees up to 54,853 stipends. Its operating rules set payments of 4,000 pesos for beneficiaries, 8,000 pesos for promoters and 15,000 pesos for municipal coordinators.

Olivares Pinal said applicants are screened using the Risk Detection Scale. Those approved must assemble their file and complete a validation process.

Beneficiaries are required to attend training sessions on a culture of peace, peaceful conflict resolution, human rights and the prevention of risky behavior. They also carry out community activities focused on reclaiming public spaces and strengthening social cohesion.

Grounds for Removal

The program’s rules list several reasons for withdrawing support, including three consecutive absences, use of psychoactive substances, submitting false documentation, engaging in political proselytizing or simultaneously receiving other incompatible federal benefits.

Olivares Pinal said the 100 young people enrolled in Cancún, in the municipality of Benito Juárez, and Playa del Carmen came from a first round of applications, meaning coverage could grow as the strategy is rolled out further across Quintana Roo.

The official said the strategy seeks to address the factors associated with violence and reduce young people’s exposure to criminal activity.