Guadalajara Water Protest Turns Violent; 39-51 Detained

Approximately 10,000 residents marched in Guadalajara on October 11 to demand a health alert for contaminated water affecting at least 320 neighborhoods since March. Protesters walked from the Minerva roundabout to Casa Jalisco, the governor's official residence, chanting that water is a right, not a privilege.

Tensions escalated when demonstrators tore down security fencing. Riot police responded with tear gas, water cannons, and batons to disperse the crowd. Witnesses reported protesters throwing stones and sticks at officers.

“The water is a right, not a privilege!”

The Jalisco government confirmed 39 arrests and 28 injured police officers, two seriously. However, families and rights groups counted at least 51 detainees, including students from the University of Guadalajara (UdeG) and ITESO.

Both universities issued statements condemning the detentions and demanding the immediate release of students and guarantees for the right to protest. ITESO reported around 32 people were initially taken to the State Prosecutor's Office.

Authorities blame the crisis on alleged illegal dumping into the Las Pintas dam. Governor Pablo Lemus ordered the dam temporarily closed last week, a measure that will reduce water supply by up to 30 percent and force weekly rationing.

Independent analyses by citizen groups and the Center for Justice for Peace and Development (Cepad) found fecal matter, heavy metals like mercury and cadmium, and bacteria in samples from 200 neighborhoods. Residents report skin rashes, stomach illnesses, and burning eyes linked to the tap water.