Mexico City Braces for Protests and Marches on August 19, Expecting Traffic Delays

Mexico City residents should prepare for potential traffic disruptions on August 19 due to a series of planned marches and concentrations across the capital. The Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) has outlined the day's events, which involve various social and labor groups.

Unionized workers from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) are set to gather at the Rectoría Tower at 10 a.m. They are demanding a 20% salary increase, contract revisions, and better recognition of their labor rights. Later, at 11 a.m., workers from Mi Valedor magazine will convene at the Cultural University Center of Tlatelolco for a forum titled "Homeless with Rights 2026." This event aims to foster reflection and dialogue on the realities faced by homeless individuals and address issues of social exclusion and human rights.

Students from the National Polytechnic Institute (IPN) plan a midday demonstration at their Professional Interdisciplinary Unit in Engineering and Advanced Technologies. They will hold an informational assembly to strategize their next steps amid alleged inaction by the institute's authorities regarding their demands. Simultaneously, the Plataforma 420 group will hold events at multiple locations, including the Monument to the Mother, focusing on cannabis rights, harm reduction workshops, and discussions on human rights and cannabis legislation.

Further events include a political formation workshop on national sovereignty by the Secretariat of Sexual Diversity at Parque Glaciar at 12:30 p.m. The Assembly of Electricity Users will meet at the Mexican Electricians' Syndicate headquarters at 2:30 p.m. for a discussion on the economic impact of energy resources. In the evening, at 5 p.m., the Anti-Fascist Cultural League will hold a political-cultural event at the Esperanza Iris City Theater, protesting the escalation of attacks in Gaza and showing solidarity with the Palestinian people. The organization Regeneración Sindical will also be collecting signatures throughout the day against the general secretary of the Mexican Electricians' Syndicate.