(MENAFN) At least 18 people have been detained following a major weekend protest in Mexico City against the government’s handling of violent crime, authorities announced Monday.

Mexico City’s chief prosecutor, Bertha Alcalde Lujan, told reporters that those arrested face charges stemming from clashes between demonstrators and police, ranging from property damage to assault and attempted murder.

“They opened several investigation files based on complaints for the crimes of assault, theft and damage to property as well as referrals made by elements of the Secretariat of Citizen Security. All of the people detained were given medical evaluations, had contact with their families and have accredited legal defense,” Alcalde Lujan said.

Among those arrested, three are being investigated for attempted murder, five for resisting arrest, two for robbery and assault, and eight for battery and assault.

On Saturday, thousands marched to the historic Zócalo square in the capital to protest the country’s insecurity, largely linked to drug cartel activity and the administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum. While organizers and supporters estimated the crowd in the hundreds of thousands, official city records listed roughly 17,000 participants.

The march drew global attention after violent clashes between police and demonstrators were widely shared on social media and reported locally. The response sparked criticism of the police’s use of force, though authorities also documented attacks by protesters, noting 84 incidents against officers and four against civilians.

During her daily briefing, President Sheinbaum condemned the violence and attributed the attacks to a specific segment of attendees.

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