### “We Are the Power That Annoys the President”: Judicial Workers Protest in Tijuana
Protests rang out in Tijuana last Friday, September 27, 2024, as workers from the Judicial Branch carried out another demonstration against the proposed judicial reform by President Andrés Manuel López Obrador. The workers, shouting slogans like “If Zapata were alive, he’d be with us,” and “We are the Judicial Power, and we will not fall,” took to the streets, blocking Cuauhtémoc Boulevard in front of the Hotel Sevilla from noon until 1:30 PM.
The protests began on August 19, 2024, in response to a controversial reform of the Federal Judicial Branch (PJF), which seeks to have positions such as Minister and Judges elected by popular vote. Critics argue that this reform undermines the experience and career of judicial collaborators and casts doubt on the impartiality and fairness of judicial processes.
“Up to now, we haven’t reached any agreement, which is why we continue with the strike. We’re waiting for a response that guarantees our labor rights and working conditions. Until then, the stance of judicial workers in Tijuana and nationwide remains unchanged,” said Jesús Daniel Meza, Delegate of the Renewal Union for Workers of the Federal Judicial Branch. Meza noted that approximately 788 judicial workers in Tijuana alone are at risk of losing their jobs.
Despite the strike, Meza clarified that they continue to handle essential judicial matters, forming guard squads in all District Courts, Collegiate Tribunals, and other judicial bodies.
The protest caused significant disruption in local traffic, forcing drivers to take alternate routes, which led to frustration among motorists. “This is the fourth protest they’ve held. I understand their right to protest, but they should notify us in advance so we can make plans. I was supposed to arrive at a construction job by 12:30 PM, and it’s already 1:00 PM, and I’m still stuck in traffic,” said one motorist.
Others expressed support for the judicial workers, understanding the implications of the reform on their livelihoods. “It’s obvious they wouldn’t agree with something that harms them. I would also protest if I were told out of the blue that I could lose my job because of the president’s whimsy. Although it inconveniences our mobility, it’s crucial to raise voices against it because the reform would make it even harder to access justice,” said Edgar, another driver caught in the protest.
### Related Updates on Judicial Protests
**Judicial Reforms Spark Nationwide Protests and Concerns About Judicial Independence**
The ongoing protests in Tijuana are part of a larger national movement against the proposed judicial reforms. Workers from the judicial sector across Mexico have held simultaneous strikes and demonstrations, voicing concerns over the threats to judicial independence.
In Mexico City, hundreds gathered in front of the Supreme Court, holding banners reading “Judiciary for the people, not for politics” and “No to Popular Vote for Judges.” Similar protests erupted in Guadalajara, Monterrey, and other major cities, signaling a widespread rejection of the reform.
Legal experts and human rights organizations have also weighed in, citing potential biases and conflicts of interest that could arise if judicial roles are subject to popular elections. “This reform risks politicizing the judiciary, which should be an impartial and independent body,” said a representative from a human rights group.
President López Obrador defended the reform, stating that it aims to make the judiciary more democratic and accountable to the people. However, opposition remains strong as judicial workers continue to demand that their rights and the integrity of the judicial system be preserved.
Stay tuned to TJGringo.com for further updates on this developing story.