Several hundred people protesting recent gasoline price increases in Mexico took over Tijuana’s El Chaparral port of entry Sunday afternoon as Mexican customs agents and the military who guard the border crossing withdrew from the area.
For more than five hours, protesters cheered and chanted slogans calling for demands such as an end to government corruption and the removal of Mexican president Peña Nieto as vehicles entered the country without inspection.
An identical protest happened on Saturday.
At the request of Mexican authorities, the California Highway Patrol began diverting traffic away from the border crossing, according to the San Diego Union-Tribune.
Since the Jan. 1 gasoline price increases began, protests have flared across Mexico. Blockades by protesters of gasoline distribution trucks in Baja California have caused widespread gasoline shortages in Tijuana, Rosarito Beach and Mexicali.
Here are some scenes from Sunday’s demonstrations.
A young woman shouts along with other demonstrators.
People wave Mexican flags as cars enter the Mexican border crossing.
A young woman shouts during the demonstrations.
A man directs cars into the Mexican border crossing.
People cheer as cars enter the Mexican border crossing.
Another car is waved into the border crossing.
People carry boxes of pizza to protesters.
Men dressed as the biblical Three Kings pose for photographs during the protest.
A motorist gives a high five to two protesters.
Two woman chat as motorists enter the Mexican border crossing.
Three woman cheer on motorists entering the Mexican border crossing.
Three men eat doughnuts that were donated to protesters.
All photos by David Maung.