A group of barbershop and beauty salon owners took to the streets of Mexico State on Monday, blocking traffic on Morelos Road to protest the forced closure of their businesses by the Attorney General’s Office of the State of Mexico (FGJEM).
The protest began in the morning near Santa Clara, initially disrupting traffic toward Mexico City, but later expanding in both directions, bringing a major roadway to a standstill.
Barbershop Owners Demand Justice After Mass Closures
The demonstrators held banners demanding justice and condemning what they described as abuse of authority, evidence planting, and procedural irregularities during the weekend raids that led to the closure of 312 barbershops across 20 municipalities.
The FGJEM justified the operation by claiming that some of these establishments were being used as fronts for criminal activity. However, barbershop owners strongly denied these allegations, arguing that they were being unfairly criminalized and deprived of their livelihoods.
“We are protesting because of the abuse of power by authorities. It is unjust that our businesses are being targeted this way,” one protester said.
Traffic Chaos: Morelos Road Blocked, Mexibús Service Halted
The roadblock trapped hundreds of motorists and paralyzed the Mexibús Line 4, which operates between Indios Verdes and Tecámac.
Commuters expressed frustration, as many were left stranded for over two hours, unable to reach their destinations due to the blockade.
“We understand their struggle, but blocking roads affects people who have nothing to do with the issue,” a stranded driver commented.
Authorities Agree to Dialogue, Protesters Lift Blockade
After two hours of road blockage, the protesters agreed to lift the demonstration following a commitment from regional authorities to hold a meeting with FGJEM officials.
The goal of the meeting is to establish a legal framework for business operations and address concerns about procedural misconduct in the forced shutdowns.
“We are not criminals. We just want to work legally and without abuse,” one of the protest leaders said.
What Happens Next?
- Official Meeting with FGJEM: Protesters will meet with state prosecutors to discuss the future of their businesses.
- Legal Review of Closures: Authorities will evaluate the legal standing of the businesses that were shut down.
- Potential Reopenings: If agreements are reached, some affected businesses may regain their operating permits.
- Further Protests Possible: If no resolution is found, additional demonstrations could follow.
Final Thoughts: A Fight for Business Rights
The mass closure of barbershops in Mexico State has sparked a major debate about business rights and law enforcement practices. While authorities claim public safety concerns, many barbershop owners feel unfairly targeted.
As talks between business owners and the government progress, the future of these businesses remains uncertain.
Do you think the government acted appropriately or were these business closures excessive? Let us know your thoughts.
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