Former Quintana Roo Lawmaker Reappears With Stark Warning on Extortion and Security Crisis

Cancún, Mexico — Former state lawmaker Gustavo Miranda has reemerged in Quintana Roo’s political scene with a sharp critique of the region’s security crisis, specifically targeting the widespread extortion of local businesses.

Miranda, who previously served as president of the local Congress’s Governing and Political Coordination Board and as a deputy for the Green Party (PVEM), questioned the impact of so-called “protection” payments on the state’s economy and daily life. “We are in a security crisis,” he stated. “Do you know what is happening with extortion? Who are they charging? What happens to those who don’t pay?”

He cited cases of small businesses, including taco stands and family-run shops, as well as medium-sized enterprises that he said have closed or halted investment due to fear of violence.

The former legislator argued that insecurity affects not only the economy but also residents’ everyday lives, referencing home robberies, the difficulty of defending oneself during an assault, and perceived risks for women walking alone at night and for tourists at beaches and music festivals.

Miranda contended that Quintana Roo cannot afford to descend further into a security crisis. He presented two paths forward: continuing with what he called an approach reliant on official statistics without tangible results, or moving toward citizen organization with direct participation in proposals and actions.

In that context, he announced the launch of the “Generating Ideas” movement, which he explained aims to bring together citizens, businesses, and shops to present initiatives and proposals, and eventually push for more decisive security measures.

The lawmaker indicated the movement will increase its public presence in the coming weeks through messages and activities, with the goal of expanding its support base and positioning insecurity as a central issue in the state’s public debate.