Thousands Protest Across Mexico as Clashes in Capital Leave 120 Injured

Thousands of people joined demonstrations across Mexico on Saturday to protest rising violence and voice frustration with President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government, following the high-profile killing of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo earlier this month.

In Mexico City, parts of the protest turned violent when a small group of hooded demonstrators dismantled sections of a barrier surrounding the National Palace, where the president resides. Police deployed tear gas in response. According to Mexico City security chief Pablo Vázquez, at least 120 people were injured in the clashes, including 100 police officers—40 of whom required hospital treatment—and around 20 civilians. Authorities said 20 people were arrested for offenses including robbery and assault.

The marches, many led by youth organisations under the banner “Generation Z,” drew supporters angered by rising crime and recent killings linked to cartel violence. Protesters carried signs reading “We are all Carlos Manzo” and wore cowboy hats in tribute to the mayor, who was fatally shot on 1 November during a Day of the Dead event. Manzo had been outspoken about cartel activities in his region and had called for stronger action against armed groups.

Similar demonstrations were held in other cities, including in the state of Michoacán, where tensions have been high following Manzo’s killing. In the capital, some participants chanted slogans critiquing the ruling Morena party and calling for stronger security measures.

President Sheinbaum said ahead of the protests that while her administration supports freedom of expression, the marches were being “promoted by bots” and backed by political opponents. She reiterated the need for transparency around how the demonstrations were organised. Her government has taken steps against cartel activities, particularly in disrupting fentanyl trafficking, but faces ongoing criticism over persistent nationwide violence.

Sheinbaum, who maintains an approval rating above 70% in her first year in office, is also navigating diplomatic tensions. Earlier this month, Peru’s Congress declared her persona non grata after Mexico granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister facing charges linked to a 2022 political crisis.

Despite the clashes, organisers of the “Generation Z Mexico” movement said the protests were non-partisan and reflected the concerns of young people demanding action on violence, corruption and abuses of power.