On July 4, 2025, Mexico City witnessed its first large-scale anti-gentrification protest, primarily organized by residents and activists from neighborhoods including Hipódromo, Condesa, Roma, Juárez, Doctores, Obrera, and La Roma. The demonstrators rallied at Parque México and marched through several neighborhoods to denounce rising rents, displacement of long-time residents, and the impact of an influx of foreigners, especially Americans and digital nomads, on housing affordability. Protesters carried signs and chanted slogans such as "¡Fuera gringos!" and "Go home, gringo!" expressing opposition to foreign influence and real estate speculation. While the protest began peacefully, it escalated into violence when a smaller group of masked individuals vandalized businesses, restaurants, and buildings, particularly targeting luxury establishments, and harassed tourists. The unrest included broken windows, graffiti, and looting in areas like Condesa and Roma. The violence drew widespread attention and condemnation from Mexico City's President Claudia Sheinbaum, who acknowledged the legitimate concerns about gentrification but strongly condemned xenophobic, racist, and discriminatory expressions during the protests. Sheinbaum emphasized that Mexico is an open and inclusive country and called for addressing housing affordability through comprehensive measures without resorting to violence or discrimination. Experts attribute the rising tensions to government failures and policies promoting tourism and digital nomad residency, which have accelerated gentrification since the COVID-19 pandemic. The protests highlighted ongoing challenges in Mexico City related to affordable housing, displacement, and the social impact of mass tourism and foreign real estate investment.
Ciudad de México lanza plan contra la gentrificación Con el auge del trabajo remoto, miles de extranjeros se mudaron a la capital por el menor costo de vida. Esto llevó a un aumento considerable de los alquileres. /rr #CiudadDeMéxico #gentrificacion https://t.co/yzzIAp7naM
La jefa de Gobierno de la CDMX, Clara Brugada, reveló las 14 acciones que su gobierno impulsará contra la gentrificación; te contamos de qué van 👀👇 https://t.co/W1rYf3hCQh
Mexico City’s government presented a plan to fight gentrification following a recent protest from citizens that accused foreigners moving into the capital of making it more expensive and displacing longtime residents and merchants https://t.co/iPlUvq3Bjz