A large Gen Z protest in Mexico City turned violent on Saturday, leaving at least 120 people injured, mostly police officers, as demonstrators clashed with security forces. The protest followed the assassination of Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the mayor of Uruapan in Michoacan, who had fought drug trafficking gangs in his town.
The demonstration began peacefully, with thousands marching through the city to express anger at Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum. However, security officials said violence erupted when a group of hooded individuals began attacking property and police officers.
Pablo Vázquez, Mexico City’s security chief, said 100 police officers were injured during the clashes. Forty required hospital treatment for bruises and cuts. Twenty protesters were also hurt in the confrontation.
Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024, retains approval ratings above 70 percent. Despite this, her security policies have faced criticism after a series of high-profile murders in recent months.
Many protesters carried banners and wore hats honoring the late mayor Manzo Rodríguez. He was killed on 1 November after leading a campaign against local drug gangs. Supporters described him as courageous and committed to protecting his community.
“He was killed because he sent officers into the mountains to fight criminals,” said Rosa Maria Avila, 65, a real estate agent who traveled from Michoacan state. “He had the guts to confront them.”
Others demanded stronger government action on security. Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant, carried a pirate skull flag, which has become a global symbol of Gen Z activism. “We need more security,” he said.
Protesters gathered outside the National Palace, where Sheinbaum lives and works. They knocked down metal fences surrounding the building, prompting a police response. Officers used teargas and fire extinguishers to contain the crowd while protesters banged on the barriers and threw projectiles.
“This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo,” some demonstrators shouted at security forces. Hundreds of young participants clashed with police, hurling objects while officers used shields and defensive measures.
In the days leading up to the protest, President Sheinbaum accused rightwing parties of attempting to infiltrate the Gen Z movement. She also claimed foreign actors were using social media bots to increase attendance and influence the protest.
“It is a movement promoted from abroad against the government,” Sheinbaum said, adding that authorities were monitoring for potential outside interference.
The Gen Z-led demonstration drew support from older opposition party members, showing a broader dissatisfaction with government handling of security issues. Protesters carried flags with the pirate skull emblem, which has become a symbol of youth activism in Mexico and internationally.
Authorities emphasized that while peaceful protest is a right, violent actions against officers and public property would not be tolerated. Local hospitals treated officers and protesters for minor injuries, and police reinforced patrols in the area following the clashes.
The incident highlights growing tensions in Mexico City over public safety and government policies. Young activists, particularly from Gen Z, are increasingly vocal about corruption, crime, and perceived government failures. Analysts say the movement could influence national discourse as more youth-led protests appear across the country.
Observers noted that Saturday’s protest, although violent in parts, represents deep concern over security issues following the killing of local leaders like Manzo Rodríguez. Demonstrators called for stronger protections for officials and citizens alike, demanding government accountability.
Saturday’s events add to a pattern of youth-led activism in Mexico, where Gen Z protesters are using social media and public demonstrations to push for reforms. While the movement continues to grow, authorities face the challenge of balancing security with the rights of citizens to peacefully protest.
