Authorities reported that a minimum of 120 individuals, including 100 police officers, were injured amid confrontations during anti-government demonstrations in Mexico City.
On Saturday, thousands of protesters took to the streets of the Mexican capital to voice their concerns regarding violent crime and the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
Sheinbaum alleged that the protests, which also occurred in other metropolitan areas, were financed by right-wing politicians opposed to her leadership.
The demonstration was spearheaded by youth groups from Generation Z, garnering support from citizens protesting against notorious killings, such as the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who had advocated for stringent measures against cartels.
Protesters tore down sections of a barrier shielding the National Palace, where Sheinbaum resides. Police defending the site deployed tear gas at the protestors.
According to Mexico City’s security chief Pablo Vazquez, authorities have apprehended 20 individuals for offenses such as robbery and assault.
Demonstrators held up signs bearing slogans like “We are all Carlos Manzo,” with some donning cowboy hats in his honor.
Manzo was fatally shot on November 1 while participating in a Day of the Dead celebration.
He was recognized for his candid discussions about drug-trafficking organizations in his community and the violence associated with cartels.
He had been insisting on decisive action against armed cartel groups that instill fear across the nation.
While Sheinbaum has taken steps against cartels, she has been cautious about endorsing calls for another all-out assault on drugs. Prior attempts by her predecessors have concluded with violent outcomes.
In the days leading up to the protest, the president remarked that the demonstration was being promoted by online bots.
“We uphold freedom of expression and the right to protest for young people with demands, but the question here is who is behind organizing the demonstration,” she stated during a press briefing.
“The public should be aware of how this protest was orchestrated to prevent anyone from being exploited.”
Sheinbaum has managed to maintain approval ratings exceeding 70% in her first year as president and has made progress in curbing fentanyl smuggling—a significant concern for her U.S. counterpart, Donald Trump.
However, she has faced backlash for her inability to stop the wave of violence plaguing the nation and is encountering mounting hostility from neighboring countries.
Earlier this month, Peru’s Congress voted to declare Sheinbaum a persona non grata in their nation.
This resolution followed days after Peru cut diplomatic relations with Mexico, after the Mexican government granted asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused of involvement in a 2022 coup attempt.
