In Sitilpech, there are approximately 48,000 pigs in a mega-farm, while the local population does not exceed 2,000 residents. This farm operates less than a kilometer from the nearest houses in the community. Photo credit: Patricio Eleisegui

In 2022, the National Water Commission determined a level of pollution here that surpasses the official Mexican standard. Residents have reported skin rashes, itching, diarrhea, and vomiting. There are over 500 other farms in the state of Yucatán, but the government has only 10 in its records. Photo credit: Patricio Eleisegui

In response to the harmful impact of the mega-farm on their health and environment, community members set up a protest camp. However, on February 18, 2023, they faced severe repression when at least 150 members of the state police as well as riot police stormed the camp. Armed with batons and shields, these authorities violently dispersed the crowd, the majority of whom were women and children. Photo credit: Maricarmen Sordo

Despite the repression and brutal beatings inflicted on the residents of Sitilpech, the Yucatán state government intensified its campaign against the Mayan community. Photo credit: Maricarmen Sordo.

In March 2023, legal proceedings were initiated against eight individuals, specifically those who had opposed the mega-farm in the regional media. Ultimately, the proceedings resulted in a sentence of one and a half years of restrictions and house arrest for the defendants. Photo credit: Maricarmen Sordo

Community efforts have called for the closure of the mega-farm, but Kekén and its partners receive protection from political authorities in Yucatán. Previous commitments made by the company to address the mega-farm’s impacts on water, air and people’s livelihoods, were not met but the company has received, for two consecutive years, a national award for its “quality standards in its processes and products.” However, on November 6th, 2025, the state district court issued a provisional suspension of mega-farm operations. A partial victory for the community… Photo credit: Maricarmen Sordo

Photo credit: Maricarmen Sordo