Transport Operators Block Mexico-Pachuca Highway Over Rampant Extortion and Insecurity
* Thousands of residents from the State of Mexico and Hidalgo affected. MANL Agency State of Mexico – Public transport operators serving the Mexico-Pachuca highway—a key route connecting the states of Mexico and Hidalgo with Mexico City—blocked the road. They were fed up with being extorted by criminal groups and frustrated by the failure of authorities in both states to combat this “scourge,” which they claim has plagued them for years.
The protest disrupted the journeys of thousands of passengers and motorists from both states for over seven hours.
From the early morning, drivers from various transport lines positioned themselves—along with their buses and vans—at various points along the Mexico-Pachuca federal highway in both directions to protest the insecurity and extortion they face.
During the protest, drivers explained that they are unable to work because organized crime groups constantly extort and threaten them, demanding protection money.
They explained that this situation has led to their vehicles being hijacked and—in some instances—torched in recent weeks. Furthermore, some colleagues have been murdered, either for refusing to submit to extortion or as a tactic to pressure them into paying.
The largest concentration of protesters was recorded near Tizayuca (Hidalgo) and Ecatepec (State of Mexico). Both locations connect to major arteries such as the Mexico-Pirámides highway, the Circuito Exterior Mexiquense, the Texcoco-Lechería highway, Avenida Central, Vía Morelos, and Avenida José López Portillo.
At the start of the protest, traffic was brought to a standstill for motorists heading toward Mexico City and Hidalgo, primarily affecting those commuting to work and school.
Hours later, the transport operators allowed traffic to move, intermittently opening a lane for vehicles.
In some cases, those affected showed empathy toward the protesters and stood in solidarity with them, while in other instances, people expressed their frustration regarding the blockade.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why did transport operators block the Mexico-Pachuca highway?
Drivers protested against relentless extortion by organized crime groups, vehicle hijackings, arsons, and the failure of authorities in the State of Mexico and Hidalgo to address the security crisis.
Which areas were most affected by the transport blockade?
The largest concentrations of protesters occurred near Tizayuca (Hidalgo) and Ecatepec (State of Mexico), severely impacting key connecting corridors toward Mexico City.