Thousands Rally Against Crime, Corruption and Impunity
Several thousand people filled the streets of Mexico City on Saturday in a youth-organized demonstration that quickly grew into a broad, cross-generational protest against rising crime, persistent corruption and widespread impunity. While the event began peacefully, tensions escalated late in the day when clashes broke out between some younger demonstrators and police officers.
Authorities reported 120 injuries, including 100 police officers, and 20 arrests. Protesters hurled stones, fireworks and sticks, and seized police shields during confrontations in the historic Zócalo. Images from the scene showed young participants waving pop-culture symbols — including the skull flag associated with Gen Z movements — alongside Mexican flags.
Gen Z Anger Echoes Global Trend
The march in Mexico follows a year marked by high-profile youth-led protests around the world. In Nepal, Gen Z demonstrations surged after a social media ban, ultimately contributing to the resignation of the country’s prime minister. In Mexico, young people say they are driven by frustration with entrenched corruption, stalled justice systems and a sense that violent crimes often carry no consequences.
“We need more security,” said Andres Massa, a 29-year-old consultant carrying the now-iconic pirate skull banner. Others expressed concern about the erosion of public institutions. Arizbeth Garcia, a 43-year-old physician, said she joined the march to demand stronger investment in health care and improved safety for medical workers.
Political Tensions Surround the Movement
The protest unfolded amid heightened political scrutiny. President Claudia Sheinbaum, who continues to enjoy strong approval ratings despite recent high-profile killings, accused opposition parties of attempting to infiltrate the movement and artificially inflate turnout through bots. In contrast, figures from the political right — including former president Vicente Fox and billionaire Ricardo Salinas Pliego — publicly endorsed the march.
Some Gen Z influencers who initially encouraged attendance later distanced themselves from the event. Even so, the crowd included a broad mix of ages, including supporters of recently assassinated Michoacán mayor Carlos Manzo, who wore the trademark straw hats associated with his political base.
Calls for Justice After High-Profile Violence
The killing of Manzo — widely regarded by his supporters as a rare official willing to confront criminal groups directly — cast a shadow over the event. “The state is dying,” said Rosa Maria Avila, a 65-year-old real estate agent who traveled from Michoacán. She argued Manzo’s murder reflected the risks faced by officials who challenge organized crime.
While Saturday’s demonstration ended in unrest, the broader message from participants was unmistakable: a shared demand for safer streets, accountable institutions and an end to the impunity that continues to shape daily life across large parts of the country.
