Indigenous Women Detained for Selling Bracelets in Cancún

Cancún, Mexico — Three Indigenous women from Chiapas were detained by Cancún’s Tourist Police on Wednesday for selling handmade bracelets near Plaza La Isla in the city’s hotel district. The incident, captured on video by a local resident who condemned the officers’ actions, has sparked widespread criticism of authorities for what many describe as an insensitive and heavy-handed response.

Police Confrontation Sparks Public Backlash

The video footage shows officers intimidating the women, claiming they would be taken into custody for disturbing public order. One of the women, elderly and visibly distressed, pleaded through tears, explaining she needed to support her children. Despite her appeals, the officers handcuffed her and the two others before presenting them to a civic judge.

Bystanders and residents quickly gathered at the scene, expressing outrage over what they perceived as discrimination and abuse of power. “Is this the ‘hard crackdown on crime’ they boast about?” witnesses questioned on social media, where the video rapidly went viral. In a state where organized crime and violence remain pressing issues, critics argue that police resources should not target women trying to earn an honest living through artisan work.

Calls for Accountability and Reform

Civil rights organizations and human rights advocates have demanded that municipal and state authorities review the Tourist Police’s operational protocols. They are also calling for a public apology and reparations for the affected women.

The incident has reignited debates about the treatment of marginalized communities and the priorities of law enforcement in Quintana Roo. Advocates emphasize that justice should not be measured by the confiscation of handmade goods but by the dignity afforded to those struggling to survive through lawful means.