Clashes Erupt in Mexico City as Thousands Protest Against Rising Violence

EPA

Scene from Mexico protests.

At least 120 people — including around 100 police officers — were injured during clashes in Mexico City as thousands took to the streets on Saturday to protest against violent crime and the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum, according to police.

Large crowds, led by Gen Z youth groups, marched through the capital demanding stronger action against escalating violence and denouncing the recent high-profile killings that have shocked the nation. Among them was the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo just weeks earlier — a vocal critic of organised crime who had urged decisive action against drug cartels.

Demonstrators dismantled parts of the security barrier surrounding the National Palace, where President Sheinbaum resides. Police deployed tear gas in response. Mexico City’s security chief, Pablo Vázquez, confirmed that 20 individuals had been arrested on charges including robbery and assault.

Protesters carried banners reading “We are all Carlos Manzo,” while others wore cowboy hats in homage to the late mayor, who was shot dead on 1 November during a Day of the Dead celebration.

President Sheinbaum accused right-wing political opponents of financing the protests and claimed online bots had been used to promote the demonstrations. She said: “We agree with freedom of expression and freedom of demonstration if young people have demands, but the key question is who is promoting the demonstration. People should know how it was organised so that no one is exploited.”

Despite the unrest, Sheinbaum maintains approval ratings above 70% in her first year in office and has taken steps to combat fentanyl trafficking — a major concern for the United States. However, she continues to face strong criticism for failing to stem the widespread violence plaguing Mexico.

Diplomatic tensions have also risen in recent weeks. Earlier this month, Peru’s Congress declared Sheinbaum persona non grata, shortly after severing ties with Mexico following the granting of asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused of involvement in a 2022 coup attempt.

Source: BBC



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