SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — Despite torrential rains that are hitting the region, residents of a neighborhood called Maclovio Rojas are refusing to end their blockade of the Tijuana airport.
Since Monday, they have blocked access to and from the airport by camping out on the main road leading to and from the terminals.
The protest involves what they say is a deal they had with former Mexico President Andrés Manuel López Obrador.
Residents claim the López Obrador gave them full ownership and title to their land, something they now say is being “stolen” by state and local officials.
They accuse the state of refusing to provide deeds to those who have paid off their debt for the land.
The state says some of the lots were legally acquired while using the eminent domain process for public projects.
Residents are now asking Mexico’s current president Claudia Sheinbaum to meet with them to settle the issue and they say the blockade won’t end until she agrees to see them.
The protest is also forcing arriving and departing passengers to walk with their suitcases for more than half a mile because they are unable to take shuttles, taxis or ride-share vehicles to and from the terminals.
The airport is providing limited access to passengers who arrive at the airport, allowing them to leave through a military air base next door.
Six months ago, residents held a similar blockade at the airport.
They’ve staged other protests on toll roads and at an oil refinery just south of the city.
Residents say they will continue their protest outside the airport until they are heard by President Sheinbaum.
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