A nationwide road blockade across all 32 Mexican states is set to occur on Wednesday, organized by the Alianza Mexicana de Organización de Transportistas AC. This protest is scheduled to coincide with the World Cup match between Mexico and the Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca. The transport group is calling for stronger government measures to combat highway insecurity, which includes violent cargo thefts and alleged extortion by authorities. They are also advocating for reductions in operational costs such as towing fees, municipal access permits, licensing charges, vehicle registration fees, and certification costs.
In response to these concerns, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the government is developing new strategies to enhance highway security. Among these plans is a proposed specialized road-monitoring system, akin to a public security command center, aimed at bolstering surveillance and response on major highways. Despite these governmental assurances, AMOTAC has confirmed its intention to proceed with the protests and has cautioned that truck convoys might head towards Mexico City’s central square if their demands remain unmet.
The planned demonstrations are expected to disrupt several key routes connecting Mexico City with nearby areas, including highways to Pachuca, Chalco, Querétaro, Puebla, and Cuernavaca. These blockades are likely to cause significant traffic issues, especially as thousands of fans are expected to travel to attend the football match. Similar protests have been organized by transporters in the past. In December, they collaborated with farmers in nationwide road blockades, prompting discussions with government officials. The organization emphasizes that their demands focus on security and working conditions rather than political motives.
Cargo theft continues to be a significant hurdle for Mexico’s transport sector, with official statistics indicating around 8,000 cargo robberies annually, equating to over 20 incidents daily. Violence frequently accompanies these thefts, with many reports involving attacks on drivers. During the first ten months of 2025 alone, over 5,200 transport thefts were recorded. AMOTAC insists that urgent enhancements in security measures are essential to safeguard drivers and ensure safer transport operations throughout the country.