Tulum Mayor Allegedly Privatizing Beaches & Outsourcing Police – Controversy Erupts

Tulum's Mayor, Diego Castañón, recently announced the formation of a new police force to patrol the city's tourist areas. This move has sparked controversy among locals who are concerned that it may further restrict public access to the beaches. The new security force will be funded by hotel owners, a decision that has been met with criticism due to ongoing accusations of these businesses limiting coastal access, particularly for Mexican citizens.

Residents have taken to social media to voice their dissatisfaction, claiming that their comments have been removed by the Mayor, who they believe is protecting private interests. They also suggest that this move is a strategic attempt by Castañón to bolster his political image ahead of the forthcoming elections.

Tulum is among the municipalities with the highest number of complaints nationwide regarding the lack of free access to its public beaches. The newly formed Executive Police, funded by hotel owners, will patrol the tourist areas and beaches of Tulum. Meanwhile, members of the Secretariat of Citizen Security will patrol the town, as explained by Castañón.