CNTE Sets Up Indefinite Sit-in in Mexico City After Riot Police Tear Gas Teachers

ByLaura Arana

This article by Laura Arana originally appeared in the May 25, 2026 edition of El Sol de México.

Members of the National Coordinator of Education Workers ( CNTE ) began setting up their tents and tarpaulins, in an indefinite sit-in, on 5 de Mayo Avenue, in the Historic Center, after Mexico City security elements blocked their attempt to reach the Zócalo.

The dissident teachers, most of whom are from Section XXII of Oaxaca and leaders representing Baja California, Chiapas, the State of Mexico and Quintana Roo, began to set up their houses and tarpaulins around 1:30 p.m. after being unable to advance to the main plaza.

The rally ended at 1:11 p.m. and they issued various statements at the intersection of 5 de Mayo and Bolívar streets , the point where moments before they clashed with riot police, formerly known as grenadiers, who launched tear gas to disperse the march attendees.

The leaders discussed for about 10 minutes to decide where to place their tents and canopies. Additionally, staff from the Citizen Coordination Office of the Mexico City Government spoke with the representatives on several occasions to define spaces and the placement of public restrooms. They even granted them an additional 30 meters along 5 de Mayo Street to be closer to Bolívar Street so as not to block Eje Central .

From early morning, six sections of the CNTE mobilized in the capital to demand attention to their educational and labor demands, so they gathered at the Angel of Independence to march towards the capital’s Zócalo.

The gathering began around 9:00 a.m., with contingents from Oaxaca, Quintana Roo, Chiapas, Sonora, Jalisco, and the State of Mexico marching along Paseo de la Reforma.

Roberto Alias ​​Vázquez, coordinator of Section XXII of Oaxaca , reported that the six sections are requesting the establishment of tripartite tables with federal and state authorities to address the particular problems of each entity.

This morning, President Claudia Sheinbaum reported that dialogue with the CNTE teachers’ union is ongoing. Furthermore, the Secretariat of the Interior (SEGOB) and the Secretariat of Public Education (SEP) reiterated their call for and continued willingness to engage in dialogue, negotiation, and reaching agreements with the protesting teachers.

Photo: Guillermo Pantoja, La Prensa