At least 120 people were injured when thousands of Gen Z protesters filled the streets of Mexico City and other parts of the country, expressing outrage over corruption and drug-related violence that kills tens of thousands of Mexicans annually.
Rallies took place on Saturday in dozens of cities, from Tijuana in the north to Oaxaca in the south, drawing large crowds. Some demonstrators carried the One Piece pirate flag, which has become a worldwide symbol for the youth movement.
“We need more security,” said Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant who was among those holding the flag.
The protest in Mexico City’s Zócalo plaza—where President Claudia Sheinbaum’s offices are located—began peacefully but later turned violent. Protesters threw rocks at riot police, who responded with shields, batons, and fire extinguishers.
“For many hours, this mobilization proceeded peacefully, until a group of hooded individuals began to commit acts of violence,” said Pablo Vázquez, Mexico City’s security chief.
Vázquez reported that 100 police officers were injured, 40 of whom needed hospital treatment for bruises and cuts, while 20 protesters were hurt.
Many demonstrators waved flags with the pirate skull symbol linked to recent Gen Z protests.
Videos circulated on social media showing riot police kicking and punching protesters. Víctor Camacho, a photographer for the Mexican newspaper La Jornada, accused police of assaulting him while he covered the rally. The newspaper reported that the journalist was kicked repeatedly while on the ground, with many blows aimed at his face. Camacho claimed one officer threatened to kill him.
Authorities also reported unrest in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, where 47 people were detained and 13 injured, including three police officers.
Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024, continues to have approval ratings above 70%, but her security policies have faced criticism following several high-profile murders. Mexico’s first female president condemned the violence during a visit to Tabasco state, telling reporters, “We say no to violence.”
Many protesters carried banners and wore hats honoring Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán state. He was assassinated on November 1 after leading a campaign against drug trafficking gangs in his town.
“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 traveled from Michoacán. “He had the guts to confront them.”
Protesters gathered in front of the National Palace, where Sheinbaum lives and works, and knocked down some of the metal barriers surrounding the building.
Police used tear gas and fire extinguishers to control the crowd. Some demonstrators shouted at security forces, “This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo.”
Hundreds of young people threw objects at police, who responded by using their shields and throwing items back at the protesters.
In the days before Saturday’s protest, Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of trying to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and using social media bots to boost turnout.
“It is a movement promoted from abroad against the government,” she said.
With Agence France-Presse and Associated Press.
Frequently Asked Questions
Of course Here is a list of FAQs about the protests in Mexico designed to be clear concise and helpful for a range of readers
Basic Understanding The Event
1 What exactly happened in Mexico
There were large protests led by young activists During these protests at least 120 people were injured often as a result of clashes or confrontations
2 Who is protesting
The protests are primarily led by students and young activists who are frustrated with the current situation in the country
3 What are the protesters demanding
They are demanding that the government take stronger action to combat widespread corruption and the ongoing drugrelated violence that affects many communities
4 Where did these protests take place
While the specific location of the protest where 120 were injured wasnt mentioned major protests often occur in large cities like Mexico City Guadalajara and Monterrey
5 Why are young people leading these protests
Young people are often the most affected by a lack of opportunities and violence They feel their future is at stake and are using their voice to demand change from the older generations in power
Deeper Context Causes
6 What is the connection between corruption and drug violence in Mexico
Corruption allows drug cartels to operate with less interference When officials police or politicians are bribed or intimidated it weakens the justice system and enables violence to continue
7 Hasnt the government been fighting the drug cartels for years
Yes for decades However the protesters argue that the governments strategies often called the war on drugs have failed to reduce violence and have sometimes made corruption worse
8 What sparked these specific protests
While not specified for this event protests like these are often triggered by a specific highprofile incident of violence a corruption scandal or the perceived government inaction following such events
9 Are these protests peaceful
The organizers often plan for peaceful marches However large demonstrations can sometimes lead to confrontations between some protesters and police resulting in injuries and arrests
10 What is the governments response to these protests
Government responses vary They may include public statements acknowledging the demands deploying police to maintain order and at times initiating dialogues with protest leaders
Impact Looking Forward
11 What impact do these protests have
They bring
