Guadalajara unrest over water crisis intensifies as presumed infiltrators provoke violence

On Sunday in Guadalajara, Mexico, a second protest against the ongoing water crisis drew approximately 10,000 participants, but the peaceful demonstration quickly turned violent due to the alleged presence of infiltrators. Vandalism and looting ensued along the march route, culminating with Molotov cocktails being thrown at the state Congress building. State police, riot squads and emergency personnel were called in to contain the situation and ensure the safety of administrative staff and legislators.

Participants insisted that the vandals were not part of the protest group and suggested that the provocateurs were either agitators sent by the Citizens' Movement party (MC) or sponsored by the nationally dominant Morena party to weaken the MC ahead of the upcoming elections. The newspaper La Jornada reported that citizens removed at least 30 masked individuals before the march began, confiscating firecrackers, clubs, and Molotov cocktails.

The protest, which started two hours later than planned, filled the Plaza de Armas by 2 p.m., making it one of the largest on record since Governor Pablo Lemus took office in December 2024. Banners demanding clean water and cries of "Resign, Lemus" filled the square as the agitators attacked nearby businesses with rocks and explosives. Six restaurants, department stores, and sporting goods stores were damaged, while five people were arrested and eight required medical attention.

By the time the violence subsided, the peaceful protesters were ready to make their voices heard. Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro, a native of Guadalajara, voiced his support for the demonstrators during his appearance at the Morelia International Film Festival.