A nationwide road blockade is set to unfold across all 32 Mexican states on Wednesday, organized by the Alianza Mexicana de Organización de Transportistas AC (AMOTAC). This protest coincides with a high-profile World Cup match between Mexico and the Czech Republic at the Estadio Azteca. The transport group is pressing for more decisive government action against issues plaguing the highways, such as violent cargo thefts and alleged extortion by authorities. Additionally, they are calling for a reduction in various operating costs like towing fees, municipal access permits, licensing, vehicle registration, and certification charges.
In response to these concerns, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has stated that the government is developing new strategies to enhance highway security. Among the plans is a proposal for 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 has decided to proceed with their protest and has warned that truck convoys might move towards Mexico City’s central square if their demands remain unmet.
The planned demonstrations are expected to cause significant disruptions on several major routes connecting Mexico City with surrounding regions, including key highways leading to Pachuca, Chalco, Querétaro, Puebla, and Cuernavaca. With thousands of fans traveling to the football match, major traffic delays are anticipated. The transporters have a history of organizing such protests; last December, they joined forces with farmers in nationwide blockades that ultimately led to discussions with government officials. AMOTAC emphasizes that their demands are centered on security and working conditions, rather than political motivations.
Cargo theft is a persistent issue in Mexico’s transport sector, with official data showing around 8,000 cargo robberies annually—averaging more than 20 incidents daily. Violence during these thefts is prevalent, with most cases involving assaults on drivers. In the first ten months of 2025 alone, over 5,200 transport thefts were reported. AMOTAC stresses the urgent need for enhanced security measures to protect drivers and ensure safer transport operations countrywide.