Generation Z Mexico led large protests across the country on Saturday as thousands of young people demanded action against rising violence. The demonstrations surged after the public killing of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo on November 1. Manzo was shot during a Day of the Dead event, which sparked national outrage.
In Mexico City, tensions escalated when a small group of hooded protesters pulled down fences near the National Palace, where President Claudia Sheinbaum lives. Riot police responded with tear gas, and clashes followed. Public safety secretary Pablo Vazquez said 100 police officers suffered injuries. Forty officers required hospital care. He also confirmed injuries to 20 civilians.
Authorities arrested 20 people and cited another 20 for administrative offenses. Marches also took place in several other cities, including in Michoacan, where anger remains intense after Manzo’s murder.
Young protesters shouted slogans against Sheinbaum’s Morena party. Many demanded stronger action against crime. Some chanted that the government failed to protect Manzo.
The group behind the protests, Generation Z Mexico, shared a manifesto online. It claims to be non-partisan and represents youth frustrated with corruption and abuse of power. Sheinbaum’s government questioned the protests and suggested political opponents helped drive the movement through social media bots.
