More than 100 people were injured, most of them police officers, during an anti-government march in Mexico City on November 15. The protest, organized through social media by members of “Generation Z”—those under 28 years old—drew thousands to demonstrate against violence and the security policies of President Claudia Sheinbaum.
“During many hours, this mobilization took place and developed peacefully, until a group of masked individuals began to commit violent acts,” said Pablo Vázquez, Mexico City’s Secretary of Security, at a press conference.
According to Vázquez, 100 police officers and 20 protesters were injured. Forty officers required hospital treatment for bruises and cuts. Authorities detained 20 people on charges including theft and assault. An investigation is underway into the reported assault on a journalist from La Jornada newspaper, who was allegedly kicked by police.
Some participants wore hats reminiscent of those made famous by Carlos Manzo, former mayor of Uruapan in Michoacán state. Manzo was killed on November 1 after gaining attention for his direct actions against criminals. The day before the march, Manzo’s widow and current Uruapan mayor, Grecia Quiroz, stated that the “Movimiento del Sombrero,” founded by Manzo, was not connected to the protest.
President Sheinbaum criticized the calls for the demonstration earlier in the week: “It is an impulse promoted even from abroad against the government,” she said.
Protesters displayed banners with messages such as “We are all Carlos Manzo” alongside symbols like the pirate flag from Japanese manga One Piece—a global symbol among young protesters. Demonstrators reached Mexico’s National Palace at Zócalo Square and knocked down some metal barriers protecting the building where Sheinbaum resides and works.
Police used fire extinguishers and tear gas grenades to contain protesters who struck barriers. A few hundred youths threw objects at police officers; officers responded by raising their shields and throwing objects back.
“It’s the first march I’ve attended where civilians side with violence,” Raúl Cortés, a 52-year-old official, told AFP.
Sheinbaum has been president since October 1, 2024. Her approval ratings remain above 70% during her first year in office but she faces criticism over her security policy following high-profile murders in Michoacán state. In addition to Manzo’s death, Bernardo Bravo—a local agricultural leader—was shot dead in late October after reporting extortion attempts.
