Teenagers Allege Abuse at DIF Shelter in Cancun, Call for Investigation

Two teenage girls speaking in a video about alleged abuse at a DIF shelter in Cancun

Cancun, Quintana Roo — A video circulating on social media has sparked concern after two teenagers claimed they escaped from the Municipal DIF Temporary Care Center (CAT) in Benito Juarez, where they allege physical violence, mistreatment, and irregularities.

In the recording, one of the minors says she fled because she was being assaulted by staff. She named two employees, identified only as “Lupita” and “Yuni,” who she claims helped her escape on multiple occasions.

The teenager also accuses the two women, along with someone she calls “Lic. Claudia,” of allegedly communicating with her partner and requesting money from him.

She further stated that she and the other girl in the video received unequal treatment at the shelter, claiming they were forced to do cleaning chores while other residents got preferential treatment.

The second teenager backs the allegations, saying she too was physically abused. In the video, she points to bruises she says were caused by shelter staff.

Both minors called on authorities to inspect the shelter, asserting that other children and teenagers may be facing similar conditions. They also claimed that relatives of some minors were asked for money in exchange for facilitating their release from the center.

The Benito Juarez Municipal DIF System has not issued an official response to the allegations. The authenticity of the statements and the reported incidents have not been confirmed by competent authorities.

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By Javier Mendez

Javier Mendez covers public safety, law enforcement, and legal affairs in Quintana Roo. He monitors official reports from the FGE (State Prosecutor's Office), the Mexican Navy, and municipal police to deliver accurate English summaries of crime, trafficking cases, arrests, and court rulings affecting the Riviera Maya region.Javier has been covering crime and public safety news since 2023, reporting on cases ranging from felony arrests and human trafficking investigations to court proceedings and organized crime-related incidents across Cancún, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Chetumal. His reporting provides English-speaking residents and travelers with reliable, timely information about safety conditions in Quintana Roo's major tourist destinations.Javier works closely with official government sources and press offices to verify facts before publication, and maintains an archive of law enforcement communications to provide context for ongoing stories. He is dedicated to accurate, factual reporting on complex safety issues that affect both residents and visitors to the region.For story tips: javier@rivieramayanews.mx