Transport and Farm Worker Protests Cause 11 Highway Blockades Across Nine Mexican States

Mexico City — A nationwide strike called by transport workers led to 11 partial or complete highway blockades across nine Mexican states on Monday, with authorities describing the impact as “focused” and participation as limited.

Rosa Icela Rodríguez Velázquez, head of the Interior Ministry, announced during a press conference that approximately 11 blockades were active, though some were being lifted after agreements were reached to continue dialogue and minimize disruptions.

Rodríguez detailed that the protests involved approximately 575 people and 161 vehicles across nine states. She said the scale of the strike, centered on demands for improved highway security and lower fuel costs, remained contained.

César Yáñez Centeno Cabrera, deputy interior minister, listed Baja California, Mexico City, Chihuahua, Guanajuato, Morelos, and Sinaloa among the states affected by blockades.

The protests were organized by a transport group citing security concerns on highways and demanding greater protections for their operations. The Interior Ministry stated that the federal government is addressing many of these demands.

Initially announced for at least 20 states, the transport and farm worker protests focused on critical security and economic viability issues. Video evidence showed smaller turnouts than organizers had anticipated following nearly two weeks of advance warning.

Key demands include permanent National Guard patrols on federal highways, an end to extortion at checkpoints, and creation of a specialized prosecutor’s office for crimes against heavy cargo transport.

The sector also seeks elimination of the diesel tax, support for families of murdered operators, and reinstatement of direct subsidies for basic grain producers.