At Least 120 Injured in Gen Z-Led Anti-Corruption, Anti-Cartel Protests in Mexico City

Thousands marched through Mexico City on Saturday in a Generation Z–led protest against rising corruption, impunity, and drug-related violence.

While the demonstration began peacefully, clashes erupted later in the day between some protesters and riot police, leaving at least 120 people wounded.

Mexico City’s security secretary, Pablo Vázquez, reported that 100 of the injured were police officers, and 40 of them required hospital treatment for cuts and bruises. He also stated that 20 civilians were hurt during the unrest. Twenty people were arrested on charges including assault and theft.

Protesters blamed the government, particularly President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration, for failing to curb cartel crime and corruption issues, they argue, that plague the country’s institutions.

A major catalyst for the demonstrations was the killing earlier this month of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, an outspoken anti-cartel politician. Demonstrators carried straw hats, a symbol associated with his movement, and called for justice, reform, and stronger state action against organized crime.

Though the protest was organized under a “Gen Z” banner, many older opposition supporters joined, raising questions about who is driving the movement.

Government officials accused social media influencers, right-wing political actors, and automated accounts (bots) of helping coordinate and amplify the event. Authorities also claimed that some participants used AI-generated content to mobilize people.

Masked protesters broke down fencing outside the National Palace and clashed with security forces. According to witnesses, some used stones, fireworks, chains, and sticks; others tried to seize police shields. Riot police responded with tear gas and force to push back demonstrators.

The protesters published a manifesto calling for greater transparency in public finances, an end to impunity, a revocation mechanism for elected officials, and reforms to Mexico’s security and justice institutions.

They emphasize that corruption and cartel violence are deeply intertwined, and that meaningful change will require systemic transformation.

President Sheinbaum strongly condemned any violence, saying attacks on state security forces violate the rights of others. However, she defended her administration’s record, accusing political opponents of trying to “co-opt” the youth-led movement for partisan gain.

The protest marks a defining moment for Mexico’s younger generation, many of whom feel disillusioned by traditional politics and desperate for structural change.

Whether the momentum will translate into lasting reform remains to be seen, but for now, the message from the streets is clear: young people demand accountability, safety, and justice.

Sources: Reuters, The Guardian, Sky News