“We Won’t Move”: Tijuana protesters defy rain, maintain airport blockade over land dispute

Tijuana, Mexico – Despite heavy rainfall battering the region, residents of the Maclovio Rojas neighborhood in Tijuana are maintaining their blockade of the city’s international airport, disrupting travel and demanding intervention from Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum.

The protest, which began on Monday, has effectively shut down the main access road leading to and from the airport terminals. Residents have established a persistent presence, camping along the thoroughfare and preventing vehicles from entering or exiting the airport grounds.

The core of the protest centers on a land ownership dispute, with residents claiming former President Andrés Manuel López Obrador granted them full ownership and title to their land. They allege that state and local officials are now attempting to “steal” this land, refusing to issue deeds to those who have fulfilled their financial obligations.

Conversely, state officials assert that certain lots were legally acquired through the eminent domain process for public projects. This discrepancy has fueled the residents’ frustration and determination to seek a resolution.

The protesters are now directly appealing to President Sheinbaum, demanding a meeting to address their grievances. They have made it clear that the blockade will remain in place until the president agrees to engage with them.

The ongoing protest has created significant disruptions for travelers. Passengers arriving at or departing from the Tijuana airport are forced to walk with their luggage for over half a mile, as shuttle buses, taxis, and ride-share services are unable to reach the terminals.

Airport authorities have implemented contingency measures, providing limited access for arriving passengers to exit through a neighboring military air base. However, the inconvenience and disruption caused by the blockade are substantial.

This is not the first time Maclovio Rojas residents have resorted to such tactics. Six months ago, they staged a similar blockade at the airport. They have also organized demonstrations on toll roads and at an oil refinery south of Tijuana, demonstrating their willingness to employ disruptive measures to bring attention to their cause.

The residents have reiterated their unwavering commitment to the protest, vowing to remain outside the airport until President Sheinbaum acknowledges their demands. They insist that their voices must be heard and their land rights respected. The ongoing standoff highlights the deep-seated tensions surrounding land ownership and government accountability in the region.