Violence has surged this week in Mexico's southern state of Oaxaca, where protesters calling for the removal of the state governor have taken over parts of Oaxaca City.
Several Mexican lawmakers are scheduled to visit Oaxaca to determine whether the state has lost control of the area - a decision that could lead to Governor Ulises Ruiz's removal from office. The protesters say Ruiz rigged the 2004 election that brought him to power.
The protests began months ago when teachers banded together to ask for better pay and school funding.
But the demonstrations turned violent when other activists critical of Ruiz joined the cause. At least six people have died in the conflict.
Monday, thousands of activists completed a march from Oaxaca to Mexico City, some 450 kilometers away.
Some of the demonstrators tore down barriers set up by police to prevent them from reaching government buildings. No major violence was reported in the national capital.
Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.