Mexican Judicial Power officials protest at Borderland ports of entry

JUAREZ, Chihuahua (KVIA) -- Dozens of workers and officials with Mexico's Judicial Power (PJF) protested at the Bridge of the Americas on the Mexican side this morning.

They protested against the recently approved Judicial Reform put into the Mexican Constitution which aims to elect judges and magistrates by popular vote.

Protesters blocked the passage for Borderland crossers heading to El Paso through 'BOTA' for several hours.

Reports say U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers were stationed at the bridge on the U.S. to prevent any incidents.

Another group of protesters also were at the Paso Del Norte Bridge in Downtown Juárez.

Members of the Mexican National Guard were at the downtown bridge safeguarding the protesters and drivers waiting in line.

There have been protests over the controversial judicial overhauls across Mexico in recent months. Just a couple of days ago, Mexico President Claudia Sheinbaum said she would not negotiate nor support those who are against the new Judicial Reform.

"I invite her (President Sheinbaum), I am not an authority, I am a worker. And I invite her to come to me and listen to me so that she can assure me that my benefits, that my salary from where I support my son are not going to be harmed," said Judicial Official in Juárez, Andrea Carrasco.

They showed up at the Ports of Entry because since they live on the border, demonstrators said it was their right and turn to block the international bridges to raise their voices.

Because they say that in other Mexican cities and states major streets, avenues, and highways are also being blocked by other demonstrators across the country.

ABC-7 reached out to the U.S. CBP El Paso Field Office to learn more about this morning's incidents.

In a statement, a spokesperson with CBP said:

"A protest on the Mexican side of the Bridge of the Americas was initiated at approximately 8:20 am and ended at approximately 10:00 am. There was a temporary disruption to arriving/northbound passenger vehicle and pedestrian traffic during the protest. CBP’s Office of Field Operations deployed its mobile field force and enacted port hardening measures as a precautionary step. Members of the traveling public can monitor current port of entry conditions/crossing times at the CBP website or by viewing multiple camera systems that broadcast live images of port conditions.

CBP added the Paso Del Norte Bridge was also impacted for about an hour today.