Gen Z‑Led Anti‑Cartel Protest Reaches Mexico's National Palace — Dozens Injured, 20 Arrested

Gen Z‑Led Anti‑Cartel Protest Reaches Mexico's National Palace

Thousands of demonstrators — many young people linked to global Generation Z protest movements and supporters of the domestic "Sombrero Movement" — converged on Mexico City’s Zócalo on Saturday and clashed with security forces outside the National Palace, the official residence and workplace of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

AFP reporters said several protesters, some wearing balaclavas, toppled metal barriers around the palace and hurled paving stones at riot police, who responded with tear gas. Mexico City security chief Pablo Vázquez said the rally "proceeded and developed peacefully" for hours before "a group of hooded individuals began to commit acts of violence."

Authorities reported more than 100 people injured — including 20 protesters and about 100 police officers, 40 of whom were hospitalized — and 20 people were arrested on charges that authorities said included theft and assault. Officials have opened an inquiry into an attack on a La Jornada journalist amid allegations that some police officers may have been involved.

The protest was partly driven by outrage over the Nov. 1 assassination of Carlos Manzo, a mayor in Michoacán known for confronting drug‑trafficking gangs. Several demonstrators wore sombreros associated with Manzo and carried banners reading "We are all Carlos Manzo." Others waved the pirate flag from the Japanese manga One Piece, a symbol adopted by youth movements from Madagascar to the Philippines and Peru. Manzo’s widow publicly distanced his movement from Saturday’s rally.

President Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024 and initially enjoyed approval ratings above 70%, has faced growing criticism over security after a string of high‑profile killings. At her regular morning news conference earlier in the week she described the demonstration as "inorganic" and "paid for," alleging foreign promotion of the movement.

Outlook: Authorities say investigations into the arrests and assaults are ongoing. The clashes underscore mounting public anger over security and may intensify political debate in the weeks ahead.