Hooded individuals cause chaos at CNTE protest in Mexico City; tensions rise

On the afternoon of Wednesday, June 4, in Mexico City, an atmosphere of uncertainty and tension took hold during the protest by the National Coordinator of Education Workers (CNTE) outside the Ministry of the Interior (Segob). What began as a peaceful demonstration turned chaotic when a group of hooded individuals disrupted the calm and sparked riots that jeopardized the security of the area.

From early morning, thousands of teachers gathered in front of the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) to demand the reinstatement of the dialogue table with the federal government. Under intense heat and chanting slogans for justice, the teachers recalled their long-standing demands: the repeal of the 2007 ISSSTE Law, a 100% salary increase, and the repeal of the 2019 education reform.

Amidst tarps, banners, and megaphones, the protest was organized and had a certain camaraderie. However, tension hung in the air amid uncertainty about a response from the authorities.

Around 1:00 p.m., a group of hooded individuals burst into the demonstration. Armed with sledgehammers and other blunt objects, they attacked the chains guarding the main gate of the Ministry of the Interior (Segob). Their intention was clear: to provoke unrest and disrupt the calm of the protest.

Security officers quickly responded with fire extinguishers to disperse the attackers, while the CNTE teachers, bewildered and visibly upset, shouted slogans to avoid confrontation. "They're not teachers, they're provocateurs!" they chanted loudly, trying to distance themselves from the violence that had marred their peaceful struggle.

While the hooded individuals threw objects and caused material damage, the CNTE teachers remained firm in their stance of not falling for provocations. "This doesn't represent us," said one of the Guerrero union representatives, visibly outraged by the confusion caused by the violent protesters.

The teachers, who have been demanding their rights in the capital for weeks, reiterated that their struggle leaves no room for violence. Their historic demands are clear:

• The repeal of the ISSSTE Law of 2007 , which affects their pensions and retirements.
• 100% salary increase , as a measure of social justice.
• The repeal of the 2019 education reform , considering it an imposition contrary to trade union democracy.
• Social justice and trade union democracy have been pillars of their struggle for decades.

Teachers are waiting for clear answers from federal authorities and, especially, a direct meeting with President Claudia Sheinbaum, something that has so far been rejected. The lack of agreement keeps the protests in the streets, turning Mexico's political heartland into a scene of tension and resistance.

The incident involving the hooded individuals has highlighted the risks of violent infiltration into social demonstrations. The CNTE, steadfast in its demand for justice, demands that the authorities not criminalize legitimate protest, but also that they act against those who use violence to delegitimize their causes.

While the Ministry of the Interior (Segob) remains closed, the teachers' struggle continues, with the hope of a dialogue that will restore peace and dignity to those who have dedicated their lives to Mexico's education.