Carriers, Merchants Strike: Demand Security and Justice

On Feb. 17, transporters, merchants, and other industry representatives held a mega march across several major highways, alleging recent cases of extortion and the fabrication of criminal charges affecting merchants, carriers, and business owners. The march was called by the Union of Transporters, Merchants, and Business Owners of Mexico, through the Alliance of Autonomous Truckers of Mexico (AAA), with the objective of demanding clarification in cases of alleged abuse of authority and impunity.

Organizers allege growing insecurity and corruption within prosecution offices, state police, the state registry, and the judicial system. They also point to slow bureaucratic procedures and demand peace and security across the State of Mexico.

Initially, the march was planned to reach the Government Palace, but a later statement confirmed that the final destination would be Mexico City’s Zocalo. The protest has called upon various sectors, including the Central Coordination AAA, ACME, TUTRAM, tanker trucks, tow trucks, school and public transport, waste collectors, merchants, marketplaces, allied women, allied youth, and cargo transportation.

The demonstrators have also requested the intervention of President Claudia Sheinbaum, emphasizing that thousands of families rely on these activities for their livelihood.

From 8:00 AM, transporters and merchants have blocked several key locations:

1. Puente de Fierro San Cristobal (toward the Mexico-Pachuca Highway, heading to Mexico City).

2. Mexico-Queretaro Toll Booth (near Tepotzotlan).

3. Mexico-Cuernavaca Toll Booth (toward Mexico City).

4. Ignacio Zaragoza Toll Booth (Cabeza de Juarez).

5. La Marquesa Toll Booth, Mexico-Toluca (toward Mexico City).

According to reports on social media and news outlets, the protests have caused major traffic disruptions at several access points to Mexico City. The State of Mexico’s Security Ministry, through its C5 surveillance system, has reported blockades in multiple locations:

• Av. Alfredo del Mazo and Manuel Buendia Tellez Giron, Toluca.

• Toluca-Atlacomulco Highway, El Dorado Toll Booth, Km 59-700, Atlacomulco.

• Av. Tollocan and Jesus Carranza, Colonia Universidad (near Monica Petrelini Hospital), Toluca.

• Federal Highway Mexico-Cuautla, Km 115, Chalco.

• Mexico-Toluca Highway, Colonia La Estación, Lerma.

• Federal Highway Mexico-Texcoco, Jorge Jimenez Cantu, Prof. Carlos Hank Gonzalez, Chicoloapan.

• Av. Carlos Hank González and Av. Pichardo Pagaza, Valle de Anáhuac, Ecatepec.

• Mexico-Queretaro Highway.

• Mexico-Pachuca Highway (near San Jose, heading to Mexico City).

The protests have significantly disrupted mobility in both the State of Mexico and Mexico City. Authorities are in negotiations with demonstrators to restore traffic flow and address their concerns.

The ongoing protests highlight the widespread issues affecting Mexico’s transport sector. In a recent case in Mexico City, on Feb. 7, the Mexico City Attorney General’s Office (FGJCDMX) reported the arrest of two men suspected of extorting transport operators in Tlalpan.

According to the official complaint, the victim was inside a transportation office in the 2 de Octubre neighborhood when several individuals entered and handed them a cell phone. On the call, a person identifying themselves as a member of a criminal group demanded a monthly fee per vehicle in exchange for “protection” and to avoid harm. The FGJCDMX continues its investigations and has reiterated its commitment to fighting extortion.