On Wednesday, July 8, 2026, parents and teachers from the Unidad Pedagógica y Cultural Celestin Freinet in Ixtapaluca took control of the San Marcos Huixtoco toll booth on the Mexico-Puebla highway, allowing vehicles to pass freely in both directions. This action follows a protest the day before, when they blocked the highway near Ixtapaluca, and aims to demand the release of two educators detained during a police operation at their school.

The demonstration began around noon at the toll booth, where protesters displayed signs denouncing what they describe as an abuse of authority by municipal police officers. According to the group, the police entered the school campus with excessive force to arrest a teacher under investigation for alleged sexual abuse. During the operation, the school’s deputy director was also detained.

Despite the protest, the highway remains open, as the demonstrators lifted the toll barriers to allow free passage. However, drivers must reduce speed due to the presence of people on the road. The National Guard and personnel from CAPUFE (Federal Roads and Bridges and Related Services) are on site to monitor the situation.

The protesters have made it clear they will maintain their presence at the toll booth until they receive a response from state and municipal authorities regarding the arrests and the police operation.

This ongoing mobilization highlights tensions between community members and law enforcement, raising questions about the use of force in public institutions. For commuters, the free passage at San Marcos offers a brief relief from toll fees, though safety concerns remain due to the protest’s location on a busy highway.

As Mexico continues to develop inclusive and accessible public services, including innovative transport solutions like cablebús systems, community trust and transparent governance remain essential to social cohesion and progress.