The Alianza Mexicana de Organización de Transportistas AC is set to initiate a nationwide road blockade across all 32 Mexican states on Wednesday. This demonstration coincides with the World Cup match at Estadio Azteca between Mexico and the Czech Republic, potentially causing significant disruptions. The transport group is pressing for the government to take more decisive action against the pervasive issue of highway insecurity, which includes violent cargo thefts and alleged extortion by authorities. Additionally, they are advocating for the reduction of various operating costs, including towing fees, municipal access permits, licensing charges, vehicle registration fees, and certification expenses.
In response to these concerns, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that the government is devising new strategies to enhance highway security. Among these plans is the development of a specialized road-monitoring system akin to a public security command center, which aims to bolster surveillance and response capabilities on major highways. Despite these assurances, AMOTAC persists with its protest plans, emphasizing that without concrete actions addressing their demands, truck convoys could make their way to Mexico City’s central square.
The impending demonstrations are expected to impact several key routes linking Mexico City to nearby regions, such as highways to Pachuca, Chalco, Querétaro, Puebla, and Cuernavaca. These routes are likely to experience significant traffic disruptions, particularly as thousands of fans travel to attend the much-anticipated football match. AMOTAC’s history of similar protests includes a notable event in December, when they joined forces with farmers for nationwide road blockades, leading to discussions with government officials. The organization maintains that their demands focus squarely on improving security and working conditions, distancing themselves from any political motives.
Cargo theft poses a formidable challenge in Mexico’s transport sector. Official statistics highlight the severity of the issue, with approximately 8,000 cargo robberies occurring annually, averaging over 20 incidents daily. Violence is a common thread in these crimes, with the majority involving attacks on drivers. In the first ten months of 2025 alone, more than 5,200 transport thefts were recorded. AMOTAC insists that more robust security measures are critical to safeguarding drivers and ensuring safer transport operations throughout the nation.