Activists and change agents remain barred: mainstream supporters push for inquiry into the demise of their colleague
Happening Now: Chaos in Mexico City as Students Stage Protest
Students from the Escuela Normal Rural Plan de Ayala (Chiapas) have caused havoc in Mexico City, setting up a blockade at the Intersection of Insurgentes and Reforma. This 40-hour protest, begun on Thursday, has brought traffic to a standstill in the area and severely affected the metrobus service, forcing thousands to find alternative routes.
Line 1 of the metro is affected at Reforma and Hamburgo stations, while Line 7 is halted at París and El Ahuehuete stations. The students are protesting to pressure authorities to investigate the death of one of their fellow students on May 15 in Tuxtla Gutiérrez, Chiapas.
The student's demise occurred during a mobilization in front of the Escuela Normal Rural Mactumactzá. The state government, represented by Eduardo Ramírez Aguilar, maintains that the death was due to a fall from a moving truck, while the students claim the young man received a gunshot wound to the head.
In response, protesters demand an independent investigation to clarify the facts and assign responsibilities if necessary. They have set up a large tent at the intersection and have vowed to remain at the site indefinitely until they receive a concrete response from the competent authorities. However, the Mexico City government has offered to start a dialogue, but conditions it on the lifting of the blockade.
What's Happening With the Teacher Protests in Mexico City?
A different set of protests in Mexico City involves teachers, particularly from the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE). These ongoing protests started on May 15, 2025, and the CNTE has been demanding wage increases, pension reform, and the reinstatement of dismissed teachers. They have also requested the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law, which affects their pension and salary conditions.
The protests have included toll booth takeovers, roadblocks on major thoroughfares, and a blockade of the Mexico City International Airport. Recently, protesters vandalized the headquarters of a rival teachers union, the SNTE. The government, led by President Claudia Sheinbaum, has faced criticism for its handling of the protests.
Navigate the Traffic: Alternative Routes
Due to the traffic disruptions, the Secretaría de Seguridad Ciudadana recommends using alternative routes such as Avenida México-Tenochtitlán, Circuito Interior, Eje 1 Norte, Eje 1 Oriente, Avenida Chapultepec, Avenida Ricardo Flores Magón.
As of now, the protests continue, and authorities have yet to comment on the matter.
- The ongoing politics in Mexico City involves not only the students from Escuela Normal Rural Plan de Ayala but also the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE), as the teachers have been protesting since May 15, 2025.
- Amidst the student protest at the Intersection of Insurgentes and Reforma and the teacher protests causing traffic disruptions, commuters in Mexico City are advised to navigate the chaos by using alternative routes like Avenida México-Tenochtitlán, Circuito Interior, Eje 1 Norte, Eje 1 Oriente, Avenida Chapultepec, and Avenida Ricardo Flores Magón.
