120 people, Including 100 Cops, Injured During ‘Gen Z Protests’ In Mexico

Last Updated:November 16, 2025, 8:25 PM IST

At least 120 injured as Gen Z Mexico protests corruption and drug violence, sparked by Carlos Manzo’s killing. Clashes erupted near the National Palace, drawing nationwide support

At least 120 people were injured as protesters under the banner of “Generation Z” against corruption and drug violence continued on the streets of Mexico City and across the country.

The protesters rallied against rising crime, corruption, and impunity, a wave of anger intensified by the recent public killing of anti-crime mayor Carlos Manzo in Michoacan earlier this month. Although young activists called the demonstrations, they quickly drew supporters from older age groups, opposition figures, and civil society groups frustrated with government inaction.

According to The Guardian, ​Saturday’s rallies, which took place in dozens of cities from Tijuana in the north to Oaxaca in the south drew large crowds, with some demonstrators carrying the One Piece pirate flag that has become a global symbol of the youth movement.

In Mexico City, what began as a peaceful march escalated when a small group of hooded protesters tore down barricades surrounding the National Palace, where President Claudia Sheinbaum resides.

Riot police responded with tear gas, triggering clashes that left 100 police officers injured, including 40 hospitalised, along with 20 wounded civilians, according to the city’s public safety secretary Pablo Vázquez. Authorities arrested 20 people and detained another 20 for administrative offences.

“For many hours, this mobilisation proceeded and developed peacefully, until a group of hooded individuals began to commit acts of violence,” said Pablo Vázquez, the security chief for Mexico City.

He said that 100 police officers were injured, of whom 40 required hospital treatment for bruises and cuts, while 20 protesters were hurt.

Saturday’s protests reflect a growing trend of Gen Z–led mobilisation globally, with young people born between 1997 and 2012 organising major movements this year against inequality, democratic decline, and abuse of power. The largest such protests erupted in Nepal in September, forcing the prime minister to resign after a controversial social media ban.

Anger has surged in Michoacan since Mayor Carlos Manzo was shot dead at a public Day of the Dead event on November 1. His supporters joined the Mexico City march wearing straw hats that symbolise his political movement, chanting, “Carlos did not die, the government killed him,” and “Out, Morena,” targeting Sheinbaum’s ruling party.

The group behind the protests, “Generation Z Mexico,” described itself in a viral manifesto as non-partisan, representing young people fed up with violence, corruption, and concentration of power.

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