Mexico: Anti-government protests leave at least 120 injured; What is known

A man wearing a gas mask and gloves tears down a metal barrier amid a protest — Image caption, Young people called for protests in Mexico City on Sunday

- author, Ruth Comerford
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- author, Athirjan Anbarasan
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30 minutes ago

At least 120 people, including 100 police officers, were injured on Sunday (11/16) in clashes during anti-government protests in Mexico City, according to authorities.

Thousands of demonstrators demonstrated in the Mexican capital on Saturday, protesting the violence and the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum accused the marches, which also took place in other cities, of being funded by right-wing politicians who oppose his government.

The protest was organized by groups of young people, attracting the support of citizens protesting against high-profile crimes in the country, including the killing a few weeks ago of the mayor of Uruapan, Carlos Manzo, who called for tough action against drug cartels.

People removing metal barriers amid the gas — Image caption, The demonstrators demolished the barriers protecting the National Palace

The demonstrators dismantled parts of the barrier protecting the National Palace, where Sheinbaum lives. The police responsible for security in the complex used tear gas against the crowd.

Pablo Vasquez, Mexico City’s security chief, told reporters that authorities had arrested 20 people for crimes including robbery and assault.

Protesters waved signs reading, “We are all Carlos Manzo,” while others wore cowboy hats in his honor.

Manzo was shot on November 1 while attending a Day of the Dead festival.

He was known for speaking out about gangs in his city and cartel violence. He was demanding strict action against armed members of gangs terrorizing the country.

Crowd of people in the street — Image caption, Protests organized by young people took place in some Mexican cities on Sunday

Sheinbaum has been active against the cartels, but against the new all-out war on drugs. Previous attempts by his predecessors led to a high death toll.

Days before the march, the president stated that the demonstration was being promoted by online bots.

She said in a press conference: “We agree with freedom of expression and freedom to demonstrate if there are young people with demands, but the question here is who is promoting the demonstration.”

“People should know how this demonstration was organized so that no one is taken advantage of.”

Sheinbaum has maintained approval ratings above 70% in his first year in office, and has made progress in combating fentanyl trafficking – a key issue for US President Donald Trump.

But it has been criticized for failing to contain the violence plaguing the country and confront growing hostility from neighboring countries.

Earlier this month, the Peruvian Congress voted to declare Sheinbaum persona non grata.

The decision was made days after Peru severed diplomatic relations with Mexico, after the Mexican government granted asylum to Betsy Chavez, the former Peruvian prime minister accused of attempting a coup in 2022.