At least 120 people — including 100 police officers — were injured during violent clashes in Mexico City as large crowds took to the streets to demonstrate against rising insecurity and President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration.
Thousands of people marched through the capital on Saturday, while similar protests occurred in several other cities. President Sheinbaum accused right-wing political opponents of financing the demonstrations to undermine her government.
The protest was led by Gen Z youth groups and drew widespread support from citizens angered by escalating violence, including the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Manzo had been outspoken about cartel activities and was killed earlier this month after demanding stronger action against criminal gangs.
During the march, some protesters tore down sections of the protective barriers around the National Palace, where Sheinbaum resides. Police guarding the area responded with tear gas.
Mexico City security chief Pablo Vázquez confirmed that 20 people had been arrested for offences such as assault and robbery.
Many demonstrators carried signs reading “We are all Carlos Manzo,” while others wore cowboy hats in his honour.
Manzo was shot dead on November 1 during a Day of the Dead event. He had repeatedly warned about cartel violence in his community and pushed for firmer measures against armed groups that continue to terrorise various regions.
Although Sheinbaum has taken steps to curb cartel operations, she has resisted pressure to launch another full-scale war on drugs, noting that previous administrations’ militarised crackdowns led to devastating bloodshed.
Ahead of the protests, the president suggested the march was amplified by online bots.
She said young people have the right to express their concerns, but the public deserves transparency about who is driving the mobilisation.
Despite the controversy, Sheinbaum maintains strong approval ratings—above 70%—in her first year in office and has made progress in tackling fentanyl trafficking, a priority for U.S. President Donald Trump.
However, she continues to face criticism for failing to stop widespread violence. International tensions have also risen: Peru’s Congress recently declared her persona non grata, following Lima’s decision to cut diplomatic ties with Mexico after the Mexican government granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused of involvement in a 2022 coup plot.
