Mexico City Erupts in Protest After Uruapan Mayor's Assassination: Clashes Mar National Palace Demonstration

Mexico City became the epicenter of widespread civil unrest on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Thousands of demonstrators, rallying under the banner of “Generation Z,” took to the streets to voice their outrage over escalating violence and the perceived inaction of government authorities. The immediate trigger for this massive mobilization was the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who was fatally shot on November 1 during the Day of the Dead celebrations in the state of Michoacán.

What began as a solemn expression of grief and a demand for systemic change quickly devolved into confrontation as the march approached the National Palace. A small contingent of activists attempted to dismantle the metal barricades protecting the presidential residence. This aggressive action prompted a swift and forceful response from law enforcement, who deployed tear gas to disperse the surging crowd. According to official figures released by Pablo Vázquez Camacho, the Secretary of Public Security of Mexico City, the resulting clashes left 100 police officers injured, 40 of whom required hospitalization. Additionally, 20 civilians sustained injuries. Authorities confirmed that 20 individuals were arrested, and another 20 were issued administrative citations.

The killing of Mayor Manzo, a figure known for his outspoken opposition to powerful drug cartels, including the Jalisco New Generation Cartel and Los Viagras, has become a stark symbol of the state's impotence in the face of organized crime. Manzo, who had been under protective custody since December 2024, tragically became the sixth mayor murdered in Mexico during 2025, and the third fatality among mayors in Michoacán this year. Protesters channeled their frustration into a powerful message of accountability, chanting the defiant slogan: “Carlos didn't die; the government killed him.”

In response to the street disturbances, President Claudia Sheinbaum, who assumed office on October 1, 2025, adopted a dismissive stance regarding the authenticity of the protests. The head of state publicly asserted that the demonstrations were “non-organic” and “paid for,” claiming they were instigated by foreign entities and promoted by right-wing opponents utilizing social bots. This narrative stands in sharp contrast to the demands voiced by the demonstrators and various opposition parties, who are calling for fundamental judicial reform and increased funding for public healthcare services.

The security landscape across Mexico remains profoundly volatile. The previous administration, led by Andrés Manuel López Obrador from 2018 to 2024, failed to substantially curb the pervasive issues of violence and corruption. Furthermore, recent constitutional amendments designed to expand the military's role in policing have raised serious concerns among international observers regarding the potential undermining of the rule of law. The events of November 15, 2025, serve as a critical culmination of mounting public distrust in the institutions tasked with combating crime and a rejection of political rhetoric that seeks to deflect blame by alleging external interference.