Mexico City, Nov 16 (V7N) — At least 120 people, including around 100 police officers, were injured during violent clashes in Mexico City as anti-government protests swept through the capital, BBC News reported on Sunday.

Thousands of demonstrators took to the streets on Friday (November 14) to protest rising violent crime and the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum. Similar demonstrations were held in other Mexican cities, which Sheinbaum claimed were funded by right-wing groups opposed to her government.

The latest wave of protests was largely led by Mexico’s youth — known locally as “Zen-G’s.” Their anger intensified following the killing of Mayor Carlos Manzo, a vocal critic of drug cartels. Protesters demanded tougher action against organized crime groups known as the Manzo cartels.

Tensions escalated when protesters gathered in front of the National Palace, the president’s residence. Police deployed tear gas to disperse crowds attempting to push through security barriers.

Mexico City Security Chief Pablo Vázquez confirmed that 20 protesters were arrested on charges ranging from assault to robbery. Many demonstrators carried banners declaring “We are all Carlos Manzo” and wore cowboy hats in tribute to the slain mayor.

Manzo was fatally shot on November 1 while attending the country’s iconic Day of the Dead celebrations. He was known for openly confronting drug gangs and repeatedly calling for stronger anti-cartel measures.

While President Sheinbaum has taken steps against fentanyl trafficking — an issue also central to the U.S., especially under President Donald Trump — critics argue she has not done enough to curb widespread violence.

In the lead-up to the protests, Sheinbaum claimed the demonstrations were being fueled by “online bots,” urging transparency about who was organizing them.

Tensions between Mexico and other Latin American nations have also intensified. Earlier this month, Peru’s Congress declared Sheinbaum “persona non grata”, following a diplomatic fallout over Mexico granting asylum to a former Peruvian prime minister accused of involvement in a 2022 coup attempt.

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