British News Agency

On Saturday, thousands of demonstrators marched through Mexico’s capital to protest violent crime and the government of President Claudia Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum stated that the marches, also held in other cities, were funded by right-wing politicians opposed to her administration.

The rally, organized by Generation Z youth groups, was supported by citizens protesting several high-profile murders, including the assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, who had called for tougher measures against cartels just weeks earlier.

Protesters removed parts of the barrier protecting the National Palace, where Sheinbaum resides. Police guarding the complex used tear gas on the crowd.

Mexico City Police Chief Pablo Vazquez said police arrested 20 people for various crimes, including robbery and assault.

Mexican President Sheinbaum has an approval rating of over 70% in her first year in office and has made significant progress in curbing fentanyl trafficking — a key issue for her U.S. counterpart Donald Trump.

However, she faces criticism for failing to stop the widespread violence gripping the country, and growing hostility from neighboring nations.