Quintana Roo reports 1,207 trafficking victims rescued since 2023 and unveils protocol to protect minors at mass events
The state anti-trafficking commission held its third session of the year; the government is also promoting the Red Card campaign in tourist areas. Warning signs and where to report.
The Quintana Roo state government reported that between July 1, 2023, and September 15, 2026, authorities opened 456 criminal investigations into human trafficking and rescued 1,207 victims, 151 of them minors. The figures were presented on October 2 at the third ordinary session of the Interagency Commission against Human Trafficking Crimes, coordinated by the state Government Secretariat through its Human Rights Undersecretariat.
According to the official report, 141 people were arrested and 34 convicted in that period, with sentences of up to 30 years in prison. Of the victims, 945 were Mexican and 262 foreign nationals.
New protocol for mass events
The session introduced a Protocol for Detecting, Assisting and Referring Cases to Safeguard Children and Adolescents at Mass Events, involving the state DIF family agency, the State Attorney General's Office and other state and municipal agencies. It aims to help staff at concerts, festivals and other large gatherings spot and refer at-risk cases.
Red Card campaign
The state also reported spreading the Red Card against Child Sexual Exploitation campaign in tourist areas, with materials on 12 billboards, at Cancún International Airport, in 300 taxis and on 150 buses. It reported 250 prevention activities in 11 municipalities reaching 7,877 people.
Why it matters in Cancún
Heavy tourism and a steady flow of visitors and workers from other regions put destinations like Cancún on authorities' radar for this crime. The fact that 262 of the rescued victims were foreign nationals reflects that profile.
Warning signs and how to report
Possible signs of trafficking or exploitation:
- People who do not control their own ID documents or money.
- Job offers with unusually high pay that require immediate travel or no contract.
- Minors with adults who do not appear to be relatives and who stop them from speaking.
- Workers who cannot leave their workplace or are confined where they work.
If you suspect a case:
- 911 if there is immediate danger.
- 089, the anonymous tip line.
- You can also go to the State Attorney General's Office.
Do not confront suspected perpetrators; note the place, time and descriptions and share them with authorities.
Related
The figures were presented at an international conference in Cancun with officials from the European Union, the Caribbean and Mexico's environment ministry; an even larger Atlantic bloom is projected for 2027.
The city council approved a zone-based formula; the mayor expects the fund to grow to 100 million pesos.
The General Council approved the criteria for mayors, council members and local deputies to seek an additional term in the 2027 vote.
The Interior Ministry and the state Search Commission say they keep direct contact with families and collectives to receive and act on requests.