Road & Customs Strike: Nov 24 – Impacts & What to Expect

by Ahmed Ibrahim World Editor

Mexico Braces for National Road Blockade on November 24

A widespread disruption to travel and trade is expected across Mexico on Monday, November 24, as carriers and agricultural workers plan a national megablockade.The National Front for the Rescue of the Mexican Countryside (FNRCM) and the National Association of Transporters (ANTAC) have confirmed plans for total road closures, customs seizures, and impacts across multiple states, urging citizens to avoid travel altogether.

Widespread Disruptions Anticipated

Organizers warn that “there will be no passage for anyone” on the country’s main routes,signaling a significant escalation in ongoing protests. While a comprehensive list of affected roads remains undisclosed, the groups have announced closures targeting the northern border and strategic routes previously impacted by demonstrations.

Several roads have been historically affected during prior blockades and are likely to be impacted again this November 24, including:

  • Caseta San Miguel Zapotitlán
  • El Pisal tape
  • Four Ways Booth
  • Pan-American Highway
  • Mexico 15
  • Federal 85
  • Lime Shed
  • Mexico-Querétaro Highway
  • Highway sections in Michoacán (km 132+500, Uruapan-Nueva Italia)

Recent protests on November 3 already caused significant disruption in the State of Mexico, specifically impacting Jilotepec, Atlacomulco, Lerma, Santiago Tianguistenco, Cuautitlán Izcalli, Valle de Bravo, Toluca, Naucalpan, Coyotepec and Tepotzotlán.

States Facing Potential Closures

Based on the patterns of recent mobilizations,closures are anticipated in Sinaloa,Mexico City,State of Mexico,Chihuahua,Sonora,Zacatecas,Aguascalientes,Tamaulipas,Veracruz,and Puebla. The FNRCM and ANTAC intend to implement a total takeover and closure of roads nationwide, alongside blockades of industrial complexes and customs facilities along the northern border.

Demands for Action Remain Unaddressed

The core grievances driving the blockade center on urgent calls for increased security on roadways, a crackdown on extortion and assaults, and the issuance of laminated licenses by the Ministry of Infrastructure, Communications and Transportation (SICT). Furthermore, the groups are demanding solutions to address the fluctuating price of corn and inadequate compensation for agricultural products.

“Comrades, on November 24 we are going to take over the roads, to total closure and to take over the industry and customs. The fight continues,” a spokesperson for the movement stated, emphasizing the determination of the groups. Leaders have indicated a complete lack of response from federal, state, or municipal governments to their demands, prompting the escalation of protests.

Mexico City Access Points targeted

specific closures are planned for access routes to Mexico City beginning at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, November 24, including:

  • Mexico-Querétaro Highway
  • Mexico-Toluca Highway
  • Mexico-Pachuca Highway
  • mexico-Puebla Highway
  • Mexico-Cuernavaca Highway
  • Mexico-Cuernavaca-Acapulco Highway

The organizations have appealed for public solidarity, urging citizens to refrain from traveling on November 24 to minimize potential conflicts. The planned megablockade represents a significant challenge to transportation and commerce across Mexico,with organizers vowing to continue their actions until a dialog with government officials is established.

Did you know?– The FNRCM and ANTAC have been organizing protests for several months, citing a lack of government response to their concerns.
Pro tip:– If you have travel plans to or within Mexico on November 24, consider postponing them or making alternative arrangements.
Reader question:– Will these blockades affect cross-border trade with the United States? – Yes, the groups are planning to block customs facilities along the northern border, which will likely disrupt trade.

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