Mexicali-Calexico border blockade lifted after visa protest agreement

Truck drivers protesting the cancellation of their B1 visas lifted a four-day blockade at the Mexicali-Calexico commercial border crossing on Sunday, September 6. The protest, which began on September 3, disrupted exports and forced freight traffic to divert to the Otay Mesa crossing in Tijuana.

The blockade ended following a dialogue between drivers and officials from the Baja California state government and the local business sector. Authorities agreed to facilitate communication between the drivers and both the Mexican and United States federal governments. A meeting is scheduled for Monday, September 7, involving the drivers and officials from the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (SRE).

Key points of the agreement include seeking clarity from U.S. authorities regarding cabotage regulations and assisting drivers in requesting individual case reviews at consular offices. Additionally, officials are exploring the creation of a working group with the business sector to offer temporary employment to those currently unemployed due to their visa status. Drivers have indicated they will monitor progress and may resume protests in other municipalities if no resolution is reached.