On Thursday, June 11, 2026, Héctor Contreras Mercader stepped down as director general of the Servicio de Administración Tributaria de Quintana Roo (SATQ). His resignation comes after public backlash over his attendance at an NBA Finals game in New York City, which sparked debate about the appropriateness of a state public official being seen in a high-profile, costly event.

In a statement addressed to the public, Contreras Mercader explained that his decision aims to prevent ongoing criticism from disrupting the functioning of the state administration. He emphasized that his attendance at the basketball game was strictly personal and that stepping down aligns with his commitment to transparency, accountability, and public service principles.

The controversy began when photos of Contreras Mercader surfaced on social media and news outlets, showing him near the VIP box where then-U.S. President Donald Trump was seated during Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden. The images raised questions about the ticket costs and the optics of a public servant attending such an event amid ongoing public scrutiny.

Before his resignation announcement, Contreras Mercader had not publicly addressed the situation. In his farewell message, he expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him during his tenure and reiterated that his resignation is intended to avoid distractions and allow the SATQ to continue its work without interference.

This episode highlights the delicate balance public officials must maintain between their personal lives and public responsibilities, especially in an era where social media can rapidly amplify controversies. For residents and migrants in Mexico, it underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government institutions.