Thousands Demand Justice for Assassinated Mayor Carlos Manzo as Clashes Erupt with Police Outside Mexico City’s National Palace
The recent Gen Z-led protests in Mexico City, sparked by widespread frustration over insecurity, corruption, and the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, escalated into violent confrontations with security forces as demonstrators clashed with riot police outside the National Palace. Thousands marched, expressing deep anger about rising crime and government inefficiency, with some protesters tearing down barriers and breaching the palace’s courtyard, leading police to respond with tear gas and smoke bombs to regain control. The movement, while largely driven by young people born between the late 1990s and early 2010s, also attracted more established opposition figures united in demanding urgent reforms to address violence and political corruption.
The assassination of Mayor Carlos Manzo, an outspoken critic of organized crime, was a particularly inflaming event that mobilized youth and activists alike. Protesters held rallies in multiple cities, with the largest in Mexico City turning tense after demonstrators overwhelmed security fencing intended to protect the historic government seat. Despite claims from government officials that the protests were infiltrated and manipulated by political opponents and exacerbated by orchestrated social media campaigns, many young people saw this as a historic moment to claim their rights, hold the ruling administration accountable, and demand safer communities.
Authorities reported over 100 police injuries and dozens of arrests amid the unrest. City officials condemned the violent outbreaks while emphasizing the need to protect public heritage sites from potential damage during the protests. President Claudia Sheinbaum defended the high security barriers as necessary safety measures but faced criticism for what some viewed as heavy-handed policing against predominantly peaceful demonstrators.
The Gen Z protests reflect a broader awakening among Mexico’s youth, increasingly vocal about systemic failings in governance, public security, and political accountability. This social movement follows similar youth-led protests globally calling for meaningful reforms, transparency, and rights recognition in contexts plagued by social and political crises. The demonstrations also highlight the generational demand for inclusion in political processes and a decisive break from entrenched corruption and impunity.
As Mexico navigates the aftermath of these events, it faces pressing challenges: addressing the root causes of violence, protecting civic freedoms, and rebuilding trust between the government and its citizens, especially its younger generations. The protests underscore an urgent call for comprehensive strategies to enhance public safety, justice, and democratic governance in the country.
This article elaborates on the dynamics, causes, and impacts of the Gen Z protests against Mexico’s president amid anger over the mayor’s death, contextualizing the significant political and social tensions underlying the movement in 2025.
