Thousands protest against government in Mexico as clashes leave 120 injured

November 16, 2025

Large-scale anti-government protests erupted in Mexico City on Saturday, resulting in violent clashes that injured at least 120 people, predominantly police officers. The demonstrations were organized by Generation Z youth movements and focused on criticizing President Claudia Sheinbaum's handling of cartel violence and high-profile murders, particularly the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo who had advocated for aggressive action against drug cartels. President Sheinbaum dismissed the protests as orchestrated by opposition politicians and online bot campaigns, though she maintains approval ratings above 70 percent.

Who is affected

At least 120 injured people (100 police officers and 20 civilians)
President Claudia Sheinbaum and her government
20 arrested individuals
Thousands of demonstrators (particularly Gen Z youth groups)
Citizens concerned about violent crime and cartel activity
Carlos Manzo's supporters and community members affected by his assassination

What action is being taken

Thousands of demonstrators are marching and protesting in Mexico City and other cities
Police are protecting the National Palace and using tear gas on crowds
Authorities are arresting people for crimes including robbery and assault
President Sheinbaum is acting against cartels while resisting calls for an all-out drug war
Sheinbaum is working on clamping down on fentanyl-trafficking

Why it matters

This protest highlights growing public frustration with Mexico's persistent cartel violence and high-profile assassinations of public officials who speak out against organized crime. The violent clashes demonstrate the tension between citizens demanding aggressive anti-cartel measures and a government attempting to avoid repeating the bloody failures of previous all-out drug wars. The situation also reveals deepening political divisions, with international implications as evidenced by Peru's recent diplomatic actions against Mexico.

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: BBC