Thousands of demonstrators rallied across Mexico on Saturday to denounce rising crime, corruption and what they called government inaction — a movement organized under the banner “Generation Z” that in the capital turned violent and left about 120 people injured, Mexican authorities and international news agencies reported.
The largest demonstration in Mexico City moved toward the historic Zócalo and the National Palace. Authorities say the march began peacefully but a smaller group of masked or hooded participants dismantled parts of the security barriers around the National Palace and clashed with riot police; police responded with tear gas and crowd-control measures. Mexico City’s public safety secretary, Pablo Vázquez, told reporters that roughly 100 police officers and about 20 civilians were injured with about 40 officers requiring hospital treatment and that police detained about 20 people.
News organizations reporting from the scene described broken barricades, projectiles and brief skirmishes in Zócalo plaza before police began dispersing remaining demonstrators. Local media and Reuters witnesses said some protesters tried to force their way into the palace perimeter and that security forces pushed back. Officials in the capital blamed a small group of violent actors for escalating the demonstration.
Organizers calling themselves “Generation Z Mexico” described the mobilization as non-partisan and focused on youth anger toward impunity, insecurity and corruption. However, the movement quickly attracted a broader cross-section of critics of the government including older opposition figures and drew support and commentary on social media. President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration has accused political opponents and social-media actors of trying to co-opt the marches.
The demonstrations were sparked in part by outrage over the November 1 public killing of Uruapan mayor Carlos Manzo, an event that has intensified public debate about security policy in recent weeks. Protesters in several cities linked that killing to what they say are broader failures to protect public officials and civilians from cartel violence. Marches and smaller confrontations were reported in cities beyond the capital, including in Michoacán.
Reaction from government and civil society was immediate. Mexico City officials emphasized the need to investigate suspects arrested for robbery and assault during the unrest and said they would open inquiries into alleged assaults on journalists reported during the clashes. Opposition leaders and some public figures expressed support for the demonstrators’ demands for stronger action on crime.
Analysts and reporters note that the protests reflect a growing political engagement among younger Mexicans but also the volatile mix that can arise when large street mobilizations intersect with deep public anger about security and impunity. Similar “Gen Z” style protests have been seen internationally this year, and Mexican commentators are debating whether the movement will remain youth-led and decentralized or be absorbed into more traditional political channels.
As of Sunday evening, authorities said the situation in Mexico City was under control though investigations into the clashes were continuing and hospitals were treating the injured. News outlets warned that events remain fluid and that further protests or after-actions could follow in coming days.
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