Farmers block key Mexico–US border bridge in protest over water reforms

Hundreds of farmworkers and truck drivers blocked the Mexican side of a major border crossing with the United States on November 24 as part of a nationwide farmers' strike.

The demonstration halted traffic on the Zaragoza–Ysleta International Bridge, which links El Paso, Texas, with Ciudad Juárez. Around 70 per cent of US–Mexico trade moves through similar border points, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

The protests were triggered by proposed reforms to Mexico’s General Water Law, backed by President Claudia Sheinbaum, which would prohibit the sale or transfer of water concession titles. Similar demonstrations took place across 16 Mexican states.

"We don't want them [the government] to monopolise the water and do whatever they want with the permits," said Gerardo Fierro, one of the farmers participating in the blockade.

In Ciudad Juárez, agricultural workers also stormed local customs offices.

Javier Jurado, president of an agricultural business, said the administration intends to "hijack" the water and leave farmers "defenseless."

Responding to the unrest, Interior Minister Rosa Icela Rodríguez said at a press conference in Mexico City that "there is no motive for the protests... unless they are politically motivated."

By Sabina Mammadli