Truckers in Mexico orchestrated a blockade on a major highway to protest against the rising tide of violent crimes targeting their industry, including robberies and assaults.
Driving the news: About 50 vehicles were strategically parked across lanes of the PanAmerican Highway in Juárez on Monday, February 5, disrupting traffic and drawing attention to the truckers' plight.
By the numbers: The members of the National Transportation Association highlighted a report that count over 85,000 robberies against truckers since 2018, culminating in a staggering $400 million in losses.
- At least seven truck drivers have been killed on routes from Central Mexico to the U.S. border, with the state of Zacatecas and roads from Mexico City pinpointed as particular hotspots for such crimes.
The truckers' representative pushed for urgent dialogue with federal officials in Mexico City, reported WNCT.
Zoom out: Rising criminal activity has instigated a change in operations, with the National Transportation Association advising against nighttime hauling to safeguard drivers.
What they're saying: "So many robberies, assaults and shootings have us on the brink. We need a solution,” mentioned protest spokesperson Miguel Enriquez.