MEXICALI, MEXICO — Hundreds of truck drivers blocked border crossings in Mexico this week while protesting recent visa revocations by U.S. authorities and denying accusations that they violated cabotage rules.
The protests took place Thursday, Sept. 3, at border crossings in Mexicali and San Luis Río Colorado in Sonora, Mexico.
Drivers Protest Visa Revocations
Truck drivers said the protest was organized after an increase in inspections at the U.S.-Mexico border and the withdrawal of visas from drivers attempting to cross into the United States.
Drivers involved in the protest said many visas have been revoked without sufficient explanation.
They also said they feel no part of the Mexican government has stepped in to help affected truckers.
According to drivers at the protest, scrutiny at the border has increased sharply over the past week.
Truckers Deny Cabotage Allegations
Truck driver Conrado Marron Valencia said U.S. authorities have been accusing drivers of cabotage when, according to him, they were only entering the country to deliver assigned loads.
Marron Valencia said recent delays have caused some deliveries into the United States to take up to nine days.
He said the delays are tied to changes in customs procedures, import declarations, and delays at receiving locations.
Drivers Say They Feel Targeted
Some drivers said they are now afraid to continue transporting cargo into the United States.
“What they’re doing to the truck drivers is a witch hunt; they’re treating them like criminals, causing them psychological harm,” truck driver Alan Verdugo said.
Verdugo said some drivers no longer want to travel through Mexicali.
“They no longer want to travel through Mexicali, and in the WhatsApp chat groups, everyone is asking if the ICE agents are at the border crossing,” he said.
Union Driver Says Visas Canceled Daily
Marron Valencia said 17 drivers within his union had their visas canceled in the past week.
He also claimed that between two and five documents are being withdrawn from fellow union drivers at the border each day.
Drivers at the protest also accused immigration agents of pressuring truckers to accept cabotage allegations and threatening further consequences if they refuse.
Those claims have not been independently confirmed.
Protesters Say They Have Little Support
Drivers said no political party or major organization has aligned itself with their cause.
They also claimed they have been ignored by the National Chamber of Freight Transportation.
Some drivers said certain trucking companies oppose the protests and are more focused on keeping freight moving than helping affected drivers.
Border Disruptions Could Continue
Protesters warned that demonstrations could continue into vegetable harvesting season, which could affect freight movement and jobs tied to cross-border agriculture.
The protests temporarily disrupted commercial traffic at the affected border crossings.
No additional details were immediately released about how many drivers had visas revoked overall or whether U.S. officials have responded to the accusations.
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