Thousands organized through a decentralized Gen Z movement rallied in Mexico City and more than 50 cities nationwide to protest President Claudia Sheinbaum's handling of corruption and violent crime following the assassination of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo. Authorities said the demonstration was peaceful for hours until a hooded group turned violent, using explosive devices and disarming officers. Police reported 60 officers treated on site, 40 hospitalized (four in specialized care), about 20 detainees, and roughly 20 additional injuries reported by the BBC. Officials say investigations and identifications of those involved are ongoing.
Violent Clashes in Mexico City Leave Scores Injured as Gen Z Protests Over Mayor’s Assassination Spread Nationwide
Thousands organized through a decentralized Gen Z movement rallied in Mexico City and more than 50 cities nationwide to protest President Claudia Sheinbaum's handling of corruption and violent crime following the assassination of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo. Authorities said the demonstration was peaceful for hours until a hooded group turned violent, using explosive devices and disarming officers. Police reported 60 officers treated on site, 40 hospitalized (four in specialized care), about 20 detainees, and roughly 20 additional injuries reported by the BBC. Officials say investigations and identifications of those involved are ongoing.
01:23 AM, 11/17/2025Conflict
Clashes in Mexico City as Gen Z Protests Stretch Across Mexico
Nov. 16 (UPI) — Injuries were reported after confrontations broke out between police and protesters linked to a decentralized Gen Z movement in Mexico City on Saturday. Demonstrations organized through the network took place in more than 50 cities nationwide.
Thousands gathered in the capital to denounce President Claudia Sheinbaum's handling of corruption and the surge in violent crime, grievances that were amplified by the recent assassination of Carlos Manzo, the popular mayor of Uruapan, Michoacán. Manzo — who had led a public crackdown on organized crime — was killed earlier this month while with his family during Day of the Dead celebrations.
Sheinbaum, a progressive leader from the Movimiento Regeneración Nacional (Morena), remains broadly popular with many voters, but younger political groups and activists have voiced growing frustration with the power and violence of heavily armed cartels across Mexico.
At Saturday’s rally a banner read, “They took away our Mexican Bukele, Carlos Manzo, to scare us. But they gave us a national hero,” according to The New York Times — a comparison to El Salvador’s Nayib Bukele, whose forceful anti‑gang campaign has won regional attention even as rights groups warn of due‑process concerns.
Police Response and Injuries
Pablo Vázquez Camacho, Mexico City’s public safety secretary, said authorities initially deployed 800 police officers plus additional traffic-control staff and paramedics in anticipation of the demonstrations. The mobilization was peaceful for many hours, Vázquez said, "until a group of hooded individuals began to carry out violent acts," prompting an increased police presence.
According to Vázquez, a smaller faction of protesters attacked officers, used explosive devices and reportedly disarmed some police by taking shields and communication radios. Police later subdued the group and confiscated hammers, chains and other items being used as weapons.
Vázquez reported that 60 police officers were treated on site for mostly minor injuries and 40 were transferred to hospitals for care; four of those are receiving specialized treatment for non‑life‑threatening injuries. Authorities have detained about 20 people in connection with assaults on police. Reporting by the BBC indicated that roughly 20 additional people were injured during the confrontations.
Vázquez: "We condemn the violent acts that occurred during the mobilization of this day... We regret that the legitimate causes for which many marched are overshadowed by groups seeking to engage in violence and destabilize."
Authorities said they are working to identify all individuals involved and continue investigations into the clashes. Organizers and many peaceful demonstrators said their goal was to demand accountability from national and local authorities over insecurity and impunity.
Sources: UPI reporting with attribution to statements from Mexico City officials and coverage by The New York Times and the BBC.