At least 120 people, the majority of them police officers, were injured on Saturday as thousands marched through Mexico City in protest against the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
The demonstration, initially organised by members of Generation Z, drew significant support from older citizens aligned with opposition parties. What began as a peaceful mobilisation descended into violence after a group of hooded individuals clashed with security forces.
Mexico City’s security chief, Pablo Vázquez, reported that 100 police officers sustained injuries, with 40 requiring hospital treatment for bruises and cuts. Twenty protesters were also hurt during the confrontation. “For many hours, this mobilisation proceeded and developed peacefully, until a group of hooded individuals began to commit acts of violence,” Vázquez said.
Sheinbaum, who assumed office in October 2024, continues to enjoy approval ratings above 70 per cent. However, her administration has faced mounting criticism over its security policies following a series of high-profile murders.
Many demonstrators carried banners and wore hats in tribute to Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán state, who was assassinated on 1 November. Manzo had led a campaign against drug trafficking gangs in his municipality, sending police officers into the mountains to confront criminal groups. His killing has become a rallying point for those demanding stronger government action against organised crime.
“He was killed because he was a man who was sending officers into the mountains to fight delinquents,” said Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent who travelled from Michoacán to attend the protest. “He had the guts to confront them.”
Others echoed her concerns. “We need more security,” declared 29-year-old business consultant Andres Massa, who carried the pirate skull flag that has become a global symbol of Generation Z protests.
The march culminated outside the National Palace, where President Sheinbaum resides and conducts official business. Protesters knocked down sections of the metal fencing erected around the building, prompting police to deploy teargas and fire extinguishers in an attempt to contain the crowd. Demonstrators banged on the barriers, shouting, “This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo,” in reference to the slain mayor.
As tensions escalated, hundreds of young people hurled projectiles at police officers, who responded with shields and by throwing objects back at the protesters.
In the days preceding the protest, Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of attempting to infiltrate the generation Z movement. She alleged that bots on social media had been used to artificially inflate attendance figures. “It is a movement promoted from abroad against the government,” she said.
The unrest highlights the growing discontent among younger Mexicans, many of whom feel disillusioned with the government’s handling of security and organised crime. While Sheinbaum’s popularity remains high nationally, the violent scenes in Mexico City underscore the challenges her administration faces in maintaining public order and addressing safety concerns.
The protest also demonstrated the widening generational and political alliances forming against the government. What began as a youth-led mobilisation quickly attracted older supporters, particularly those aligned with opposition parties, signalling a broader coalition of dissent.
As investigations continue into the violence, questions remain over the role of external actors and the capacity of the government to respond to rising insecurity. For many of those who marched, the death of Carlos Manzo has become emblematic of the risks faced by officials who confront criminal gangs, and a symbol of the urgent need for stronger protections.
