At least 120 people, including 100 police officers, were injured during anti-government protests in Mexico City on Saturday.
Police confirmed the clashes as thousands of demonstrators marched against violent crime and President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government.
Sheinbaum said the marches, which also spread to other cities, were funded by right-wing politicians opposed to her administration.
The rally was organized by Gen Z youth groups and drew support from citizens angry over high-profile killings.
One of the killings was the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who had demanded tough action against cartels.
Protesters carried banners reading “We are all Carlos Manzo” and wore cowboy hats in tribute to him.
Demonstrators dismantled barriers protecting the National Palace, where Sheinbaum lives. Police guarding the compound fired tear gas to disperse the crowds.
Mexico City security chief Pablo Vazquez told reporters that 20 people were arrested for crimes including robbery and assault.
Manzo was shot on November 1 while attending a Day of the Dead festival. He was known for speaking openly about drug-trafficking gangs and cartel violence in his town.
President Sheinbaum’s Response
Sheinbaum has resisted calls for another all-out war on drugs, warning that past attempts ended in bloodshed. Days before the march, she claimed the protest was being promoted by bots online.
“We agree with freedom of expression and freedom of demonstration if there are young people who have demands, but the issue here is who is promoting the demonstration,” she said.
“People should know how this demonstration was organised so that no one is used.”
Sheinbaum retains approval ratings above 70% in her first year in office. She has made progress in clamping down on fentanyl trafficking, a key issue for her US counterpart, Donald Trump.
Despite her popularity at home, Sheinbaum faces criticism for failing to halt violence across Mexico.
Earlier this month, Peru’s Congress declared her persona non grata, days after severing diplomatic ties with Mexico.
This followed Mexico’s decision to grant asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister facing charges for a 2022 coup attempt.
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