Federal Authorities Deploy “Safe Stop” Operation and Infrastructure Projects to Combat Highway Robberies
In response to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s directive to improve security on the most traveled and crime-ridden roads, federal authorities have deployed the “Safe Stop” operation along with intensive operations and infrastructure projects to combat highway robberies, especially those targeting cargo transportation. This ensures the safety of vacationers and truck drivers.
Decrease in Cargo Theft
According to Hernán Cortés, Commander of the National Guard, cargo vehicle theft across Mexico has decreased by 22.41% compared to previous months, as per data from the Executive Secretariat of the National Public Security System. However, specific plans have been implemented in critical zones such as the Mexico-Querétaro and Mexico-Puebla highways, where 29% of these crimes occur, as well as the Mazatlán-Culiacán road.
Targeted Measures in Critical Zones
To tackle these offenses, authorities conducted analyses on incident times, infrastructure, unauthorized access points, the presence of criminal groups, and other factors. On the Mexico-Querétaro highway, 585 personnel, 194 vehicles, 3 helicopters, 2 drones, 20 drones, 10 surveillance towers, and 4 intelligence cells were deployed. The Mexico-Puebla highway saw 302 elements with 131 vehicles, the same number of aircraft and towers but with 22 drones and 5 intelligence cells. The Mazatlán-Culiacán toll road has 298 personnel with 143 vehicles, 2 helicopters, 12 drones, 5 detection towers, and 4 intelligence cells focused on generating arrest warrants and investigations.
“Safe Stop” Operation Against Illegal Establishments
Another highlighted action is the “Safe Stop” operation, aiming to dismantle illegal establishments known as “cachimbas.” Since the beginning of this administration, 145 of these installations have been dismantled, over 171,000 liters of hydrocarbons have been secured, and 38 people have been detained.
Summer Vacation Security Operation
For the vacation period, the National Guard implemented “Summer Vacation 2025” starting July 1, deploying 48,041 personnel across the country. In tourist destinations, archaeological zones, airports, highways, and areas with high population concentration, over 1,800 vehicles and thousands of elements ensure the safety of travelers, both national and foreign.
Infrastructure Actions to Strengthen Highway Security
Jesús Antonio Esteva Medina, Secretary of Infrastructure, Communications, and Transportation, outlined four main actions to bolster highway security: closing unauthorized access points, installing dynamic arches, modernizing infrastructure, and constructing integrated rest areas.
On the Mexico-Querétaro and Mexico-Puebla highways, 118 unauthorized access points have been detected. Seventeen of these have been closed in July. Between Tepalcapa and Palmillas, 9 out of 41 illegal access points have been closed; between Palmillas and Querétaro, 6 out of 39 have been closed. On the Mexico-Puebla highway, 38 unauthorized access points have been detected, with 2 closed so far. These works include trenches, masonry walls, and concrete dovela confinement.
Dynamic arches will be installed at 12 strategic locations, enabling license plate recognition, dimension and weight control, speed detection, and reinforcing road safety operations. The existing surveillance infrastructure on the CAPUFE-operated network will be doubled, currently boasting over 2,100 monitoring devices.
Esteva Medina also mentioned the construction of integrated rest areas with public-private mixed investment. These spaces will offer medical services, food, rest, and security for cargo operators. Guidelines for their development have been published, with 10 new rest areas to be constructed in 2025.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is the main initiative taken by the Mexican government to improve highway security? The “Safe Stop” operation and infrastructure projects have been deployed to combat highway robberies, especially those targeting cargo transportation.
- Who issued the directive for improved highway security? President Claudia Sheinbaum instructed federal authorities to enhance security on the most traveled and crime-ridden roads.
- What specific measures have been implemented in critical zones? Authorities have closed 17 unauthorized access points on the Mexico-Querétaro and Mexico-Puebla highways, deployed personnel and vehicles, and installed surveillance equipment.
- What is the “Safe Stop” operation about? This operation aims to dismantle illegal establishments known as “cachimbas” and has resulted in the closure of 145 such installations since the administration’s start.
- What is the “Summer Vacation 2025” operation? This initiative, launched on July 1, deployed 48,041 personnel across the country to ensure traveler safety during the vacation period.
- What infrastructure actions are being taken to strengthen highway security? Four main actions include closing unauthorized access points, installing dynamic arches, modernizing infrastructure, and constructing integrated rest areas.
