Nearly One Hundred People Block Mérida’s Periférico After Eviction From Property Near Agustín O’Horán Hospital
Nearly one hundred people, occupants of a property near the Agustín O’Horán Hospital in Mérida, have blocked the Periférico highway, accusing the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) of carrying out a violent eviction during the early hours of the morning.
At the site, the protesters stated that they arrived at the property one month ago. They claim that the land belongs to the Yucatán Housing Institute (IVEY) and that their intention is to pay for the property and obtain legal ownership.
Violent eviction
The situation began after, according to their statements, around 3:00 a.m., SSP officers arrived with heavy machinery and began demolishing houses made of sticks, cardboard, and wood, allegedly without checking whether anyone was inside.
According to the occupants, during the eviction, police officers took the cell phones of people who began recording the operation and detained others, even handcuffing some individuals.
Road blockades
Following the incident, the occupants began a protest and blocked Avenue 60 in San José Tecoh, but around 7:00 a.m. they moved to the Dzununcán bridge, blocking both lanes and affecting thousands of drivers who use this route every day.
Public transportation users were also affected, including a woman and her child who needed to travel to the CRIT rehabilitation center but were unable to access transportation because of the road blockade.
SSP traffic operation
The SSP implemented a traffic operation that included road closures near Avenue 60 in San José Tecoh and in the Ticimul area. Drivers were forced to turn around, creating vehicle lines of more than four kilometers in both directions of the Periférico.
The protesters continue to maintain the blockade and have stated that they will not leave until they receive an adequate response. They also threatened to go to the Government Palace at 3:00 p.m. if their demands are not addressed during the day.
Government statement regarding the eviction in San José Tecoh
Through an official statement, the State Government reported that a coordinated operation was carried out without complications, in compliance with an investigation into the alleged crime of unlawful occupation, with the purpose of restoring a state-owned property, protecting public assets, and providing legal certainty to the people of Yucatán.
During the operation, the Government of Yucatán recovered early Thursday morning a property belonging to the Yucatán State Housing Institute (IVEY), located in the San José Tecoh neighborhood in southern Mérida, as part of actions to guarantee the rule of law, protect public property, and restore legality over an illegally occupied property.
The intervention was carried out jointly by members of the Secretariat of Public Security (SSP) and the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Yucatán (FGE), in compliance with ministerial procedures derived from investigation file FGE/SUR/UNADT-2015/2026, opened for the alleged unlawful occupation of a state-owned property.
Complaint filed by IVEY
The actions were based on the complaint filed by IVEY and on investigative procedures carried out by the Attorney General’s Office, including verification of state ownership of the property, surveillance inspections, identification of people and vehicles linked to the occupation, expansion of the complaint, and a ministerial inspection of the site.
Increase in the number of people occupying the property illegally
During the previous weeks, authorities documented a constant increase in the number of people irregularly settled on the property, the construction of new temporary homes, and a greater presence of vehicles.
Authorities also received neighborhood reports regarding disturbances to public order and safety, as well as possible illegal connections to the electrical network, which caused variations in the electricity supply in the area.
Based on these elements and the progress of the investigation, the operation was carried out to restore legal possession of the property to the State, while prioritizing respect for human rights and following established protocols.
The procedure was completed without major incidents. At the time of the intervention, eight people were present at the site, and they left peacefully, allowing the property to be returned to the state’s assets.
The State Government reaffirmed its commitment to the rule of law, stating that in Yucatán, no one is above the law. Protecting public property, legal certainty, and the safety of Yucatecan families remain priorities. All actions taken by authorities are carried out in strict accordance with legal procedures and through coordination between institutions responsible for justice and public security.
Roads reopened after moments of tension (UPDATE)
Around noon, the road beneath the Dzununcán bridge was reopened. Traffic began flowing normally again, although the demonstration continued on the fast lanes of the Mérida Periférico.
This occurred after moments of tension and minor violent incidents between protesters and local residents, who complained about the road obstruction and the impact it had on their daily routines. They demanded that the protesters clear the roadway.
Source: yucatan
