A large crowd of demonstrators pushed through security barriers and clashed with riot police outside Mexico’s National Palace on Saturday, marking one of the most confrontational protests President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo has faced since taking office.
The protest, organized and promoted heavily by young activists identifying themselves as “Gen Z,” drew participants of all ages amid growing frustration over cartel violence and allegations of political corruption.
The unrest came as criticism intensifies over the government’s response to cartel-related crime and the recent killing of public officials.
In recent months, several politicians and local leaders who spoke out about cartel influence have been assassinated, including Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, whose death was cited by multiple protesters at the demonstration.
Eduardo Verástegui, a former presidential candidate who opposed Sheinbaum in the most recent election, posted a statement on X celebrating the turnout.
“There are no words to describe the emotion felt when seeing so many Mexicans awakened, on the move, and more determined than ever. No matter how many stones we encounter on the path. We are going to move this country forward. All together! United in the truth! Long live Mexico!” he wrote in Spanish, according to a translated version shared online.
The protest followed a series of allegations that cartel money has influenced political campaigns and protected criminal groups from prosecution.
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Mexican Sen. Lilly Téllez, speaking to Fox News in a recent interview, said she has been targeted for raising concerns.
“The president has threatened me to proceed against me with criminal prosecution to get me out of the Senate and get me in jail just because I told you,” Téllez said.
Mexico City (Nov. 15) — Rioters protesting against the leftist government of President Sheinbaum tear down the protective barrier protecting the National Palace. pic.twitter.com/nszB8BjoIt
— Andy Ngo (@MrAndyNgo) November 16, 2025
Protesters at the scene told reporters they were motivated by concerns about personal safety and the escalating threat posed by organized crime groups.
Arizbeth Garcia, a physician, told the Associated Press, “[Doctors] are also exposed to the insecurity gripping the country, where you can be murdered and nothing happens.”
Another participant, 29-year-old Andres Massa, said, “We need more security.”
Rosa Maria Avila, 65, said she attended the demonstration in memory of Mayor Manzo. “He was killed because he was a man who was sending officers into the mountains to fight delinquents.
He had the guts to confront them,” Avila told the AP.
Manzo had publicly warned that he feared assassination, but insisted he would not step back from efforts to confront criminal groups.
His killing has become one of several high-profile cases cited by citizens demanding action from the federal government.
President Sheinbaum has responded to rising unrest by attributing tensions to misinformation and politically motivated attacks.
Officials in her administration have argued that social media has amplified fears and distorted public perception of security conditions in the country.
Opposition lawmakers have rejected that claim, insisting that the violence is documented and widespread.
Saturday’s demonstration was one of the most forceful acts of public defiance at the National Palace in recent years.
Protesters breached a metal barricade surrounding the historic building as police deployed shields and equipment to prevent them from entering the grounds.
Footage shared online showed officers using crowd-control measures while demonstrators attempted to push forward.
🚨Anti-Sheinbaum protesters have hopped the wall protecting the National Palace in Mexico City. Mexican police are responding with crowd control munitions. pic.twitter.com/WgdIMi1K1e
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) November 15, 2025
The protest comes as Mexico faces sustained levels of cartel violence, extortion, and targeted political killings.
Security experts have noted that violence often spikes during political transitions, including local and national elections, as criminal organizations attempt to expand territorial control or influence candidates.
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