Searchers Denounce Police Aggression in Mexico City Protest

A group of mothers searching for disappeared relatives in Mexico City accused police of aggression during a protest on Calzada de Tlalpan. The women, many of whom are mothers themselves, were attempting to block traffic near the Mexico-Ecuador football match venue to denounce the ongoing disappearances in the country.

According to the protesters, a large contingent of police officers, estimated at around a hundred, met them as they arrived. The officers reportedly prevented the women from blocking the road, leading to some falling to the ground or being surrounded. Fernando Vargas, whose son disappeared in 2024, claimed police officers pushed, kicked, and tried to take their banners. "We are protesting peacefully and they send a riot squad to attack us, push us, kick us, and take our banners," he said.

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We are protesting peacefully and they send a riot squad to attack us, push us, kick us, and take our banners.

The Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) offered a different account, stating that Metropolitan Police officers formed a containment line to prevent a complete road blockage. The SSC reported that after dialogue, public expression was permitted, and the officers then withdrew. Most officers reportedly left the scene after a few minutes of tension, allowing the searchers to continue their demonstration.

Later, about seven families of disappeared persons gathered near the Textitlán light rail station, reiterating their accusations of police aggression. "We are creators of peace, light, and love; we are searching mothers who only carry a photo of our disappeared relatives and a banner; those are our weapons," said searcher Jacqueline Palmeros as they proceeded towards the stadium. The mothers continued their protest despite the rain.

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We are creators of peace, light, and love; we are searching mothers who only carry a photo of our disappeared relatives and a banner; those are our weapons.