At least 120 people, primarily police officers, were injured as thousands took to the streets of Mexico City on Saturday, November 15, 2025, to protest against President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government. The demonstration, initially organised by Generation Z activists, later drew support from older members of opposition parties.
Pablo Vázquez, Mexico City’s security chief, stated, “For many hours, this mobilisation proceeded and developed peacefully, until a group of hooded individuals began to commit acts of violence.” Of those injured, 100 were police officers, with 40 requiring hospital treatment for cuts and bruises. Additionally, 20 protesters sustained injuries during the clashes.
Despite maintaining approval ratings above 70% since taking office in October 2024, President Sheinbaum has faced criticism over her security policies following a series of high-profile murders.
Many protesters carried banners and wore hats commemorating Carlos Alberto Manzo Rodríguez, the late mayor of Uruapan in Michoacan, who was assassinated on November 1 while leading anti-drug trafficking operations. Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old attendee from Michoacan, said, “He was killed because he was a man who was sending officers into the mountains to fight delinquents. He had the guts to confront them.”
Gen Z protesters, some waving the global pirate skull flag associated with youth activism, demanded stronger security measures. Andres Massa, a 29-year-old business consultant, said, “We need more security.”
The crowd gathered outside the National Palace, the residence and workplace of President Sheinbaum, and toppled parts of the metal fencing. Police responded with teargas and fire extinguishers while trying to contain protesters banging on the barriers.
Protesters reportedly hurled projectiles at officers, who defended themselves with shields and returned fire with objects. Some demonstrators shouted at authorities, “This is how you should have protected Carlos Manzo.”
In the lead-up to the protest, Sheinbaum accused right-wing parties of attempting to infiltrate the Gen Z movement and of using social media bots to boost attendance. “It is a movement promoted from abroad against the government,” she claimed.
