Searching Mothers End Protest at Cancun Airport Due to Health Issues

Cancun, Quintana Roo — The collective “Madres Buscadoras de Quintana Roo” ended a five-day sit-in at Terminal 2 of Cancun International Airport on Sunday, citing health concerns for their leader, Maria Dolores Patron Pat.

Patron, president of the group and mother of Francisca Mariner who disappeared in 2020, said she has been suffering from hypertension, a foot problem, and a recently diagnosed eye condition.

“For health reasons, I’m not well — I have a bad foot and hypertension, plus they confirmed an eye disease. So after talking with my daughter, we decided to end the protest to rest,” Patron explained.

She also noted that she has a scheduled meeting with federal authorities in Mexico City next Tuesday. “I need to rest so I can travel,” she added.

The protest began on June 9 after federal judges granted two injunctions — which Patron described as irregular — to former employees of the State Prosecutor’s Office (FGE) accused of negligence in the investigation of Francisca Mariner’s disappearance.

Patron said no representative from the federal judiciary approached them during the protest. The only official who came was sent by the state government “by order of the governor to hear some of our demands as victims.”

She criticized the state Human Rights Commission and the Victim’s Commission for failing to intervene, saying they “washed their hands” by claiming the issue fell under federal jurisdiction.

Regarding plans to block Cancun’s hotel zone or start a hunger strike, Patron said those options would be evaluated after the federal meeting.

Patron thanked travelers who supported the protest with food, water, and by sharing photos and videos. She also praised the National Guard for protecting them from potential aggression.

“We are grateful that people understood the cause and reason for this situation,” she said.

The group will now rest before continuing the criminal case against FGE officials, whose negligence, Patron said, led to her daughter’s body being found four years later in the morgue of the Forensic Medical Service.