Puerto Rico's new natural resources secretary, Waldemar Quiles, has halted an investigation into allegations of illegal construction in a protected area.
The investigation originally targeted Governor Jenniffer González's in-laws, who faced accusations of illegal activities in La Parguera.
González labeled the investigation as "political persecution", claiming it was part of a past political attack.
Legal experts warn that shelving the investigation sets a troubling precedent for environmental protections in Puerto Rico.
The Puerto Rico Senate president has called for transparency and questioning regarding Quiles's administrative order.