A protest in Mexico City on Saturday left more than 100 police officers injured [1] and resulted in at least 20 arrests, according to officials.
The demonstrations, driven largely by young Gen-Z participants, focused on corruption concerns and issues of public safety.
Thousands of protesters gathered in the city’s historic center and moved toward the National Palace, which houses Mexico’s executive branch.
Demonstrators attempted to breach a security barrier surrounding the complex, leading to extended clashes with police.
Tear gas filled the area as hooded protesters confronted riot police.
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 [2]
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) November 15, 2025 [3]
Footage showed officers being pulled from their positions, beaten with hammers and chains, and targeted with explosive devices. Some riot police were stripped of their shields and communication radios during the confrontations.
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 [4]
— Julio Rosas (@Julio_Rosas11) November 15, 2025 [5]
The Secretariat of Citizen Security of Mexico City said through social media that at least 60 police officers sustained minor injuries.
Another 40 officers were transported to local hospitals for additional treatment.
The protest comes amid rising anti-government sentiment and follows the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. Manzo was shot seven times after publicly criticizing Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum for what he described as insufficient action against cartel violence.
“We need greater determination from the president of Mexico,” Manzo told local reporters 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.”
Sheinbaum, who became Mexico’s first female president when she took office in October 2024, has faced increased scrutiny following a series of high-profile killings.
Critics have accused her administration of tolerating organized crime and failing to bolster anti-cartel operations.
In May, Sheinbaum publicly acknowledged rejecting U.S. military assistance offered by President Donald Trump for the purpose of combating drug trafficking organizations and violent cartel activity.
Pablo Vázquez, Secretary of Citizen Security of Mexico City, said that approximately 120 people were injured in total during the unrest, including about 100 police officers.
In a Sunday update on X, Vázquez provided additional information regarding the injured officers.
Authorities said none of the injuries appeared to be life-threatening.
However, officials and observers noted that the large turnout, level of violence, and ongoing concerns over security conditions suggest further protests may follow as discontent with Sheinbaum’s government continues.