Generation Z Protests Against Corruption and Drug-Related Violence Rock Mexico, Over 120 Injured as Demonstrations Across the Country Turn Violent

Mexico City. Thousands of Generation Z protesters marched across Mexico on Saturday, voicing anger over rampant corruption and drug-related violence that continues to claim thousands of lives every year. From Tijuana in the north to Oaxaca in the south, rallies in dozens of cities drew massive crowds — and in several places, clashes between protesters and riot police turned violent.

Capital Sees Intense Clashes

In Mexico City’s historic Zócalo Plaza, the demonstration began peacefully but escalated later in the day. Protesters hurled stones at riot police, prompting officers to respond with shields, batons and fire extinguishers.
Mexico City’s security chief Pablo Vázquez said the march “remained peaceful for hours until a group of masked individuals initiated violence.”

According to official figures, 100 police officers were injured, 40 of whom required hospital treatment, while 20 protesters were also reported injured.

Nationwide Unrest

Tensions also flared in Guadalajara, Mexico’s second-largest city, where authorities reported 47 arrests and 13 injuries, including three police officers.

Large groups of young demonstrators waved One Piece pirate flags, a symbol that has become a global emblem of youth-led movements.
“We need more safety,” said 29-year-old business consultant Andrés Massa, one of the protesters waving the pirate flag. “We need a Mexico where we can live without fear.”

Allegations of Police Brutality

Images and videos showing riot police kicking and beating demonstrators circulated widely on social media.
During the protest, La Jornada photojournalist Víctor Camacho was allegedly assaulted by police while covering the march.
According to the newspaper, Camacho was “kicked repeatedly while lying on the ground, several blows landing on his face.” He also claimed one officer threatened to kill him.

Security Policy Under Scrutiny

President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024, still enjoys approval ratings above 70%. However, a series of high-profile assassinations has put her security strategy under heavy criticism.
During a visit to Tabasco, Sheinbaum condemned the violence, saying, “We do not accept violence in any form.”

Many demonstrators paid tribute to Uruapan Mayor Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, who was murdered on November 1 while leading an anti-cartel operation.
Rosa María Ávila, a 65-year-old woman from Michoacán, said, “He was killed because he had the courage to confront the criminals.”

Standoff at the National Palace

Crowds gathered outside the National Palace — the president’s residence and workplace — where they tore down metal barricades surrounding the building. Police responded with tear gas and fire extinguishers to contain the situation.
Some protesters shouted at security forces, “This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo!”

Hundreds of young people hurled stones and objects at police, who responded by deploying shields and throwing objects back toward the crowd.

Government–Opposition Tensions

Ahead of the protests, President Sheinbaum accused right-wing groups of infiltrating the Gen Z movement and using social media bots to inflate attendance numbers. She claimed, “This is a movement promoted from abroad against the government.”

A Climate of Rising Violence

Mexico continues to struggle with drug cartel violence and deep-rooted political corruption. Thousands are killed every year, and public officials frequently face threats.
The murder of Mayor Manzo earlier this month sparked widespread outrage, particularly among younger citizens, setting the stage for Saturday’s nationwide protests.

What Comes Next?

Authorities have increased police deployment in major cities and launched investigations into the violence. But the scale and intensity of the protests indicate that Mexico’s younger generation is demanding a new era of safety, accountability and transparency — and is no longer willing to remain silent.

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