At least 120 people were injured as thousands of Gen Z protesters took to the streets of Mexico City and other cities across the country on Saturday, voicing anger over corruption and drug violence. The rallies, held in dozens of cities from Tijuana to Oaxaca, drew large crowds, with some demonstrators carrying the One Piece pirate flag, a global symbol of youth movements.
The protest in Mexico City's Zócalo plaza, near the offices of President Claudia Sheinbaum, began peacefully but turned violent when hooded individuals began attacking riot police with rocks. Officers responded with shields, batons and fire extinguishers. Security chief Pablo Vázquez reported 100 police officers injured, 40 requiring hospital treatment, and 20 protesters hurt.
Footage on social media showed police kicking and punching protesters. Photographer Víctor Camacho of La Jornada accused officers of assaulting him, claiming he was kicked while on the ground and that an officer threatened to kill him. In Guadalajara, 47 people were detained and 13 injured, including three police officers.
President Sheinbaum, who has been in power since October 2024 and maintains approval ratings above 70%, denounced the violence during a visit to Tabasco state. She has faced criticism over security policy following several high-profile murders. Many protesters honoured Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the assassinated mayor of Uruapan, who led a crusade against drug gangs.
Protesters gathered in front of the National Palace, knocking down metal fences. Police used teargas and fire extinguishers to contain them. Some shouted, “This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo.” Sheinbaum accused rightwing parties of trying to infiltrate the movement and using social media bots to boost attendance, calling it “a movement promoted from abroad against the government.”
