**Residents Demand Expropriation of Over 190 Hectares in Baja California**
Residents of the Maclovio Rojas community are calling for the expropriation of 197 hectares from the Ejido Francisco Villa, according to Baja California’s Secretary General of Government, Alfredo Álvarez Cárdenas. This unexpected demand has prompted a blockade of the Tijuana-Tecate highway and led to protests in Mexico City.
In ongoing discussions between community representatives, the federal Secretary of the Interior, and state officials, it was revealed that Baja California is considering a proposal to invest 19 million pesos to purchase 1,200 plots covering 4.5 hectares. These plots are currently home to residents living in poverty and vulnerable conditions.
Álvarez Cárdenas emphasized the importance of continuing negotiations to resolve the blockades occurring in both Tijuana and Mexico City. He noted that the protests in Tijuana are linked to a larger demonstration led by Maclovio Rojas residents in Mexico City’s Eje Central Avenue. The community is demanding that the issue be addressed by the President of Mexico.
The Governor of Baja California, Marina del Pilar Ávila Olmeda, expressed willingness to engage in dialogue with the protestors, highlighting that the issue has been inherited from previous administrations. She noted that while her administration is committed to resolving the problem, the ultimate solution lies with the federal government.
**Additional Coverage: Protest Campaigns Take Center Stage**
The protests by the Maclovio Rojas community have drawn nationwide attention. A key point of contention is the demand for direct action from national leadership. A representative expressed that the persistent challenges faced by Maclovio Rojas require federal intervention, stating, “The protests will not cease until our demands are heard by the President.”
Meanwhile, reports from the National Guard indicated that the blockade on the Tijuana-Tecate highway has resulted in significant disruption, with around 200 freight vehicles stranded, affecting commerce in the area.
In other related developments, Baja California is set to raise the minimum wage for workers in the border region, a change impacting approximately 700,000 laborers. This adjustment will increase the wage from 374.89 to 419.88 pesos, aligning with federal economic strategies to improve living conditions in border communities.
Moreover, federal evaluations are underway to establish a new university, Rosario Castellanos, in Tijuana, which signifies a notable investment in the region’s educational infrastructure.
The path to a resolution for the Maclovio Rojas community remains complex, with negotiations anticipated to continue as all parties seek a mutually beneficial outcome.