Traffic on the Mexico-Querétaro Highway came to a standstill as around 200 residents from Cuarta Transformación, Tultitlán, took to the streets in protest. The demonstrators blocked the highway at the Tepotzotlán toll booth, demanding that local authorities uphold a legal ruling against renaming their neighborhood.
The protest stems from a controversial name change, which saw the neighborhood previously known as El Paraje, Fimesa 1, 2, and 3 rebranded as Cuarta Transformación. Residents argue that this decision was made without proper consultation and was a politically motivated move by former mayor Elena García.
«We never agreed to this name change. It was a decision imposed by the previous administration,» said one protester.
Legal Battle Over Neighborhood Identity
Residents have taken the issue to court, with lawyer Francisco Fuentes García confirming that the 11th District Court had already granted an injunction in favor of Fimesa 2 and 3, while the 2nd District Court of Naucalpan recently extended the ruling to Fimesa 1.
Despite these legal victories, the current municipal government, led by Mayor Ana Castro, has yet to officially recognize the ruling, prompting residents to take direct action in the form of this large-scale demonstration.
Highway Blockade Causes Major Traffic Disruptions
The protest initially blocked one side of the highway, but as tensions escalated, demonstrators took control of both directions, effectively shutting down traffic flow.
At midday, protestors escalated their actions further by lifting the toll booth barriers, allowing hundreds of vehicles to pass freely without paying.
Authorities Urge Patience and Alternative Routes
As of 1:00 PM, the protest remains in place, with authorities warning that demonstrators may continue to block lanes intermittently. Officials have urged commuters to remain patient or seek alternative routes to avoid prolonged delays.
What’s Next? Will the Name Change Be Reversed?
Residents remain firm in their stance, stating they will continue fighting until their neighborhood’s original name is restored. Meanwhile, legal proceedings against former Mayor Elena García and current Mayor Ana Castro are ongoing, with residents accusing both of abuse of power.
As tensions rise, the municipal government faces increasing pressure to resolve the dispute and prevent further disruptions to one of Mexico’s most important highways.
