The Alianza Mexicana de Organización de Transportistas AC (AMOTAC) has declared a national road blockade in Mexico, set to occur across all 32 states on Wednesday. This protest coincides with the World Cup match between the Mexican and Czech Republic national football teams at the iconic Estadio Azteca. The transport group is urging the government to take decisive action against the rampant insecurity on highways, which includes violent cargo thefts and alleged extortion by officials. Additionally, they are pushing for reductions in various operating expenses, such as towing fees, municipal access permits, licensing charges, vehicle registration fees, and certification costs.
President Claudia Sheinbaum has responded by stating that her administration is working on initiatives to bolster highway security. Among these efforts is the development of a specialized road-monitoring system akin to a public security command center, designed to enhance surveillance and response on key roadways. Despite these assurances, AMOTAC remains steadfast in its plans to protest, even suggesting that convoys of trucks might advance toward Mexico City’s central square if their concerns are not satisfactorily addressed. The organization emphasizes that the ongoing lack of effective solutions has left transport workers with no choice but to take action in order to highlight their grievances.
The anticipated demonstrations are expected to significantly affect major roadways linking Mexico City to nearby regions, including the highways to Pachuca, Chalco, Querétaro, Puebla, and Cuernavaca. As thousands of football fans are expected to travel for the match, substantial traffic disruptions are likely. AMOTAC has a history of organizing similar protests; in December, they partnered with farmers for nationwide road blockades, which eventually led to negotiations with government representatives. The group insists their demands focus solely on security and working conditions rather than any political agenda.
Cargo theft continues to be a formidable challenge within Mexico’s transport sector. Official statistics reveal that approximately 8,000 cargo robberies occur each year, averaging more than 20 incidents daily. Violence is a common thread in these cases, with most involving assaults on drivers. Over 5,200 transport thefts were documented in the first ten months of 2025 alone. AMOTAC asserts that urgent enhancements in security measures are essential to safeguard drivers and ensure the safe transport of goods across the nation.