Puebla protesters demand changes at San Miguel prison

Family members of inmates at the San Miguel Reinsertion Center (Cereso) have launched multiple road blockades across the Puebla metropolitan area. The protesters are demanding the removal of prison director Jorge Ortiz Delgadillo, alleging he has failed to prevent extortion and “cobro de piso” (protection racket) activities within the facility.

Demonstrations have targeted several key locations, including the Vía Atlixcáyotl, the Periférico Ecológico, and the Mexico-Puebla highway near Xoxtla. The Puebla State Security Secretariat (SSP) reported that while they have attempted to establish a dialogue with the protesters, no agreements have been reached as of Tuesday, November 10.

The SSP noted that while they respect the right to free expression, the blockades have disrupted daily activities for thousands of citizens. At least eight blockade points have been cleared, but tensions remain high as demonstrators continue to call for an end to violence and extortion inside the prison.