Quintana Roo Cracks Down on Illegal Settlements

Quintana Roo, Mexico — The government of Quintana Roo will proceed with evictions and regularization processes in irregular settlements across the state to ensure orderly urban development and prevent the proliferation of illegal land occupations, according to José Alberto Alonso Ovando, head of the Secretariat of Territorial, Urban, and Sustainable Development (Sedetus).

Coordinated Efforts for Legal Certainty

Sedetus is collaborating with the Strategic Projects Agency (Agepro) to regularize neighborhoods in Tulum and Mahahual. In Tulum, negotiations are underway for 12 to 14 settlements, with some already involving interventions by the State Attorney General’s Office, the National Guard, and the Secretariat of Public Security.

Regarding Mahahual, Alonso Ovando noted that several invaded properties are embroiled in disputes between private parties. Authorities have already secured some of these lands, leading to evictions.

"There have been cases where properties were secured, and occupants had to leave. These are legal processes that must be respected," he stated.

Progress in Regularization

Significant progress has been made in regularizing settlements in Mahahual, including neighborhoods such as El Orgullo, La Bendición, Flamingos, El Chechén, an area known as Lainas, and El Manicero. Sedetus will directly oversee the regularization process for Flamingos to expedite legal certainty for residents.

Alonso Ovando emphasized that most families occupying these lands do so in good faith, unaware of the legal status of the properties. However, he also warned against individuals who promote illegal invasions without legitimate rights.

"They deceive families, harm the environment, disrupt urban development, and create unnecessary conflicts. This must be addressed from all fronts to build a better state," he cautioned.

Call for Collaboration

The official urged both families and private landowners to engage with authorities to advance regularization processes where feasible. Additionally, he mentioned the state’s housing welfare program, which aims to provide legal housing solutions for Quintana Roo families.

The government remains committed to balancing regularization efforts with enforcement actions to uphold property rights and sustainable urban growth.