Uber Driver Harassment Leads to Arrests in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — Local authorities have detained individuals accused of harassing ride-share drivers in Isla Mujeres. The suspects are allegedly linked to the local “Gustavo Díaz Ordaz” taxi union, known for its red cabs, and are accused of attempting to force tourists to use their services.

The incident occurred on Friday, August 22, on the highway connecting Punta Sam to Isla Blanca, within the Continental Zone of the Isla Mujeres municipality. According to reports, several individuals exited a red Chevrolet truck to intimidate a driver working for the Uber platform.

A passenger recorded a video of the confrontation, which brought the situation to light and, as stated in the report, further tarnished the image of Quintana Roo’s tourist destinations. The video was subsequently shared on social media with the comment: “Police detained some individuals who were harassing Uber partner drivers in Isla Mujeres. It appears they wanted to force tourists to use taxis from the ‘Gustavo Díaz Ordaz’ union. White and red [taxis], always intimidating.”

After the affected Uber driver and his passengers reported the events to emergency number 911, an operation was launched to locate the suspects. Initial accounts indicated five individuals originally exited the truck to harass the driver. However, when Isla Mujeres police located the vehicle, only two people were inside. Both individuals were taken into custody as investigations into the case proceed.

Violence Against Uber Drivers Continues

This event coincides with ongoing violence against ride-share operators in the region. Just hours before the Isla Mujeres incident, a Uber partner driver was murdered in the center of the nearby tourist destination of Cancún.

The homicide occurred in Superblock 26 on Kukulcán Avenue, near the intersection with Xel-Há. Neighbors in the area reportedly called 911 after hearing what they believed to be an altercation in the street. Municipal Police officers arrived to find an injured person inside a white Nissan Versa.

Paramedics also arrived at the scene to attend to the victim, who was bleeding profusely from the neck from a wound allegedly caused by a sharp weapon. The victim was transported to a hospital but was confirmed dead hours later.

Preliminary reports suggest the Uber driver traveled to Superblock 26 and was allegedly attacked by his own passenger in an attempted robbery of money and personal belongings. It remains unclear if the assailant also tried to steal the vehicle. The alleged attacker fled the scene, and their identity and whereabouts are currently unknown. The police were notified by neighbors after the attack had occurred.