American tourists visiting Cancún and other popular vacation spots in Mexico are expected to witness an increased number of Mexican military and security patrols this summer amid increased cartel violence and crime targeting tourists.
According to Fox News, the Mexican government has deployed over 7,000 military troops and security officials to provide protection at the country’s popular vacation locations amid rising crime against tourists and increased violence by cartels. The outlet noted that Mexico has deployed military troops and local security officials to top tourist locations over the past few years since 2021.
Fox News reported that the Mexican government announced “Operation Summer Vacation 2025” on July 18 and confirmed that the deployment of over 7,000 security personnel would include the Mexican Army, Navy, National Guard, as well as local and state police officials to guard popular tourist spots, such as Cancún, Cozumel, Playa del Carmen, and Tulum. According to Fox News, this year’s deployment of over 7,000 security personnel marks the largest seasonal deployment the Mexican government has ordered for the protection of the nation’s top vacation spots.
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During a recent news conference, Quintana Roo Governor Mara Lezama Epinosa told reporters, “We will not tolerate abuses, illegal fees, or practices that harm individuals. To our tourism service providers, I reiterate: you are the best ambassadors of our state. Your conduct, your ethics, and your commitment will make the difference.”
Former Drug Enforcement Administration Senior Special Agent Michael Brown told Fox News that the presence of Mexican military troops in popular vacation hot spots may make tourists feel more concerned rather than better protected.
“You’re sitting on a beach looking at soldiers. I’m worried about something happening. That really works against the concept of a vacation,” Brown told Fox News. “If I’m sitting on a beach looking at the armed military, is that really going to make me relax?”
Brown added, “The fluidity of Mexican organized crime, gang activity, is constantly moving from one side of the country to the next. Unfortunately, these high-end tourist areas represent an easy opportunity for organized crime to come, steal, assault, and rob.”
