Mexican Protests Against Cartel Violence Enter Fourth Day Following Mayor's Death

Mexico City – Protests against President Claudia Sheinbaum’s administration and its handling of rampant cartel violence have entered their fourth day in Mexico, following the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo. The demonstrations, primarily concentrated in the western state of Michoacán, reflect growing public frustration with insecurity. Young protesters in Mexico are reportedly utilizing the "One Piece" pirate flag as a symbol of their movement, according to a tweet from Visegrád 24, a symbol previously seen in youth protests in Indonesia, Nepal, Madagascar, Morocco, and Peru.

Mayor Manzo, a vocal critic of organized crime and federal security strategies, was gunned down on Saturday, November 1, 2025, during a Day of the Dead celebration in Uruapan. His murder ignited widespread outrage across Michoacán, a state long plagued by turf wars between powerful drug cartels. Demonstrators have taken to the streets in cities like Uruapan and Morelia, demanding justice and an end to the pervasive violence.

President Sheinbaum condemned Manzo's "cowardly murder" and on Tuesday announced a "peace and justice" plan specifically for Michoacán. The plan includes strengthening the presence of federal forces and addressing the root causes of crime through social programs. However, Manzo himself had been critical of Sheinbaum's approach, which he perceived as insufficient against the cartels.

Michoacán has consistently ranked among Mexico's most violent states, with official data recording over 1,000 intentional homicides between January and September 2025. The region's avocado and lime industries are particularly vulnerable to extortion by criminal groups, further fueling public discontent. Analysts suggest the current protests represent an "honest reaction" from citizens fed up with extreme insecurity.

The use of the "One Piece" pirate flag by Gen Z protesters highlights a global trend of youth adopting symbols from popular culture to express dissent. The flag, representing freedom and rebellion in the popular Japanese manga and anime series, underscores the protesters' desire for change in Mexico's challenging security landscape. The ongoing demonstrations put significant pressure on President Sheinbaum's nascent administration to deliver tangible results in combating organized crime.