The mayor of Cuauhtémoc, Alessandra Rojo de la Vega, ordered the removal of the statues of Fidel Castro and Ernesto “Che” Guevara from Jardín Tabacalera in Mexico City, citing administrative irregularities and lack of proper authorization for their installation. The statues, part of the sculpture "Monumento Encuentro" installed since 2018, were removed following requests from local residents. This action sparked widespread controversy and opposition. Claudia Sheinbaum, President of Mexico, condemned the removal as illegal and intolerant, criticizing Rojo de la Vega for her decision and labeling it hypocritical due to the mayor's previous visit to Cuba. Sheinbaum also warned that auctioning the statues would constitute patrimonial damage. The local government head, Clara Brugada, called for a dialogue with the Cuauhtémoc authorities to ensure the statues are preserved and relocated to a symbolic site rather than stored away. The Cuban community in Mexico and various social organizations have organized protests demanding the statues' reinstatement and proposed naming the Plaza San Carlos after Fidel Castro. Rojo de la Vega defended her actions by highlighting previous removals of historical plaques and monuments by Sheinbaum during her tenure as head of government. The dispute remains ongoing, with calls for the statues to be returned or officially handed over if the Cuauhtémoc administration refuses to restore them.