Saturday’s protest in Mexico City took a violent turn, leaving more than 100 police officers injured and leading to at least 20 arrests. This demonstration, largely driven by the younger Gen-Z crowd, was organized to shine a light on persistent issues of corruption and public safety.

The protest was fueled by rising anti-government sentiment, which has been simmering for some time. It gained urgency and momentum following the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, a tragic event that has further inflamed public outcry.

Among those documenting the turmoil was independent journalist and former Townhall contributor, Julio Rosas. He was on the ground capturing the day’s events and shared compelling footage on his social media platform, X.

For those interested in delving deeper into the circumstances surrounding Mayor Manzo’s assassination and the subsequent protests, Rosas offers an in-depth analysis on his Substack, providing valuable context and insights.

The Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City announced via social media that at least 60 police officers had minor injuries, and 40 officers were taken to hospitals.

The anti-government sentiment has been brewing, and the protest is thought to have been spurred by the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo.

Manzo was shot seven times after condemning Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for her alleged lack of effort in combating cartels. 

“We need greater determination from the president of Mexico,” Manzo told local media in September. “I do not want to be just another mayor on the list of those who have been executed and had their lives taken away from them. … I am very afraid, but I must face it with courage.”

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, who took office in October 2024 as Mexico’s first female president, recently came under fire after a series of high-profile murders.

Critics accuse her of tolerating organized crime and failing to support anti-cartel efforts.

In May, Sheinbaum publicly confirmed she rejected U.S. military assistance from President Donald Trump, who was looking to help the country fight drug trafficking and violent cartels.

Our former Townhall colleague, independent journalist Julio Rosas, was on scene, documenting Saturday’s unrest and sharing video to his X feed.

🚨Brutal clash between riot police and anti-Sheinbaum crowd in Mexico City.

Some in the crowd appeared to have swarmed and knocked out an officer. Police rushed in and one protester was then beaten by police, kicked multiple times in the head. pic.twitter.com/t4L6AQvuBk

— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) November 15, 2025

The anti-Sheinbaum crowd in Mexico City continues to attempt to tear down the security wall protecting the National Palace. Mexican police are deploying CS powder and flashbangs. pic.twitter.com/Nx8NEDaP55

— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) November 15, 2025

Rosas has more about Manzos’ assassination and the protests it has sparked on his Substack.

As mayor of Michoacán’s second largest city, Manzo was celebrating Dia de Muertos, Day of the Dead, over the weekend with his family when he was shot by a lone gunman. The attack was successful and Manzo died, despite having policemen guarding him at the time of the shooting. The gunman was quickly killed.

Manzo’s murder has enraged Mexicans. His killing is another in a long list of politicians, activists, and journalists who had spoken out against the cartels. Manzo was a heavy critic of Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for not doing enough to directly confront the various cartels. Riots and protests have broken out in Michoacán since Manzo’s death. City halls in Morelia, the state capital, and Apatzingán were attacked and stormed by angry crowds, calling for the removal of the ruling Morena party.