Demonstrations began in Mexico City and spread nationwide after the slaying of a Michoacán mayor.
MEXICO CITY — Thousands of demonstrators rallied in Mexico City and other cities on Saturday in marches organized by Generation Z activists to denounce crime, corruption and impunity, drawing a heavy police presence around the National Palace and culminating in clashes that left scores injured and led to multiple arrests.
The protests mark the first large, youth-branded challenge to President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government since she took office, reflecting anger over headline-grabbing killings and long-standing frustration with security. Organizers framed the effort as nonpartisan and focused on public safety and accountability. Authorities reported more than 100 police officers hurt in the capital and at least 20 civilians injured as scuffles erupted at the end of the day. Officials said dozens of people were detained on suspicion of vandalism and other offenses while investigations continued into possible excessive force by police.
Marchers gathered in the capital’s historic center by late morning and moved toward the National Palace, chanting “No more impunity” and “Justice.” Many wore black or carried a stylized pirate flag that has become a symbol at youth protests. As dusk approached, some masked participants dismantled temporary fencing near the palace gates. Riot police advanced to push the crowd back. Mexico City’s public safety secretary, Pablo Vázquez, said 100 officers were injured, with about 40 taken to hospitals. He said 20 civilians were hurt and 20 people were arrested, adding that most of the day remained peaceful until a small group “sought confrontation.” “We will protect the right to protest and we will not tolerate violence,” Vázquez said.
Witness accounts and videos from the scene showed volleys of tear gas and firecrackers, along with protesters using sticks to pry barriers loose. Civil rights observers alleged rough takedowns by officers during arrests in the Zócalo. A youth collective calling itself Generation Z Mexico said in a statement that it organized the events to demand action on homicides, kidnappings and corruption, and it rejected political party control. “We are tired of violence,” the group said. Demonstrations were also reported in Guadalajara, Monterrey, Tijuana, Oaxaca and other cities, with local authorities announcing additional detentions and injuries in some locations. Specific totals outside the capital varied by city and remained under review late Sunday.
Anger intensified after the Nov. 1 killing of Uruapan mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, who was shot in public during Day of the Dead festivities in Michoacán. Manzo had campaigned on confronting criminal groups in a region scarred by cartel violence. His death followed a string of attacks on local officials this year and resonated widely among young voters who came of age amid high homicide rates. Sheinbaum condemned the violence at the weekend marches and said her government will pursue those responsible for vandalism while ensuring the right to peaceful assembly. The president and her party’s allies have accused political opponents of amplifying the demonstrations online, a claim organizers deny.
Mexico has struggled with organized crime and impunity for years, with homicide levels remaining high across multiple administrations. While overall murders have inched down from a recent peak, killings of municipal leaders and candidates have kept fears alive in states such as Michoacán, Guerrero and Jalisco. Mexico City has touted falling crime indicators since 2019, but residents frequently report robberies and assaults that rarely lead to prosecutions. The weekend rallies drew people of varied ages, including professionals, students and older opposition figures who said they marched in solidarity with youth. Images from the capital showed handmade signs calling for better pay and training for police as well as stricter oversight for officials accused of graft.
Authorities said those arrested in the capital could face charges ranging from property damage to assault on police. City officials also announced administrative sanctions for some detainees tied to disorderly conduct. The Mexico City prosecutor’s office opened inquiries into vandalism on public buildings surrounding the Zócalo and said medical reports would be reviewed to determine whether any officers or civilians suffered serious injuries that require additional charges. Human rights commissions in the capital and Jalisco said they received complaints alleging excessive force and would seek video evidence. Government spokespeople said any officers found to have violated protocols would be disciplined. No court hearing dates were immediately available.
Along Avenida 5 de Mayo, street vendors pulled down metal shutters as the crowd pressed forward. A college student from Iztapalapa said she joined because “my generation deserves to live without fear.” A 29-year-old business consultant described the message more simply: “We need more security,” he said. A physician from the public health system said she marched for resources and safety in clinics outside the capital. Older participants held signs thanking younger organizers for “waking up the country.” As night fell and police lines advanced, medics and volunteers formed chains to escort people out. Cleanup crews moved in before midnight to remove fencing and sweep tear-gas canisters from the square.
As of Monday, city officials said most detainees remained in processing while investigators collected statements and reviewed footage from the plaza. Organizers signaled they would plan further marches if demands go unanswered. Municipal authorities in Michoacán said an update on the Manzo investigation is expected later this week. Federal officials promised a security briefing on violent crime trends and policing protocols in coming days. For now, the capital’s historic center has reopened to traffic, and police patrols around the National Palace and Supreme Court remain visible ahead of any new calls to rally.
Author note: Last updated November 17, 2025.