BACALAR, MEXICO — A local government official in Quintana Roo is facing formal complaints and potential sanctions after being accused of trespassing in a restricted archaeological zone.

Diana Xuluc, the Youth Coordinator for Bacalar, came under fire following the publication of a social media video showing her clandestinely entering the archaeological ruins in Nuevo Jerusalén. While Xuluc claimed her intent was to highlight the region’s cultural wealth to promote tourism, her actions sparked a significant backlash. Critics pointed out that her unauthorized presence posed a risk to the integrity of the site, as she failed to observe the necessary safety and preservation protocols.

Following the public outcry, Xuluc removed the video from her social media accounts.

The controversy prompted Bacalar Councilwoman Tania Casa Madrid to file a formal complaint with the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH) in Quintana Roo. Casa Madrid sought to determine whether any legal permits had been issued to Xuluc for the visit.

“As citizens, and above all, as public officials, we must be responsible in the care of our historical heritage,” Casa Madrid stated during her visit to the INAH facilities.

In response to the incident, the INAH issued an official statement confirming that no permission had been granted to Xuluc to enter the site. The institute announced it has launched an administrative procedure to investigate the breach and determine the appropriate sanctions regarding the protection of the archaeological heritage.