Activists block highway tollbooth

Mexicali activists took over the state tollbooth located on top of La Rumorosa mountain Saturday morning in demand of free use of the highway.

Led by Sergio Tamai of the group Angeles Sin Frontera, or Angels Without Border, the group was joined by Rumorosa town residents.

The highway has been licensed by the Mexican government to the state since the ‘90s after a series of protests for the toll high cost. The highway was built by a private contractor.

The demonstrators allowed drivers to use the highway at no cost for several hours.

The state said in a press release no major incident was reported during the blockade.

Authorities said the highway is the only one in Baja California under state control — including maintenance and services.

The state added all those involved in the controversy should consider potential impact in economic development and jobs created through the highway.

Sen. Alejandra León, of the leftist Workers Party, thanked residents and activists for the blockade.

“We will review in the Senate all the legal part (of the highway license),” Sen. León posted on Facebook. “All Sundays we will liberate tollbooths in Baja California.” Tamai leads the Workers Party in Mexicali.