On July 4, 2025, hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Mexico City to protest against the growing effects of gentrification, particularly in neighborhoods like Roma and Condesa. The march, which began as a peaceful mobilization in Parque México, was organized by local residents and activist groups concerned about rising rents, cultural displacement, and the influx of foreign digital nomads, many of them from the United States.
Protesters carried signs with slogans such as “La vivienda es un derecho, no una mercancía” (“Housing is a right, not a commodity”) and “México para los mexicanos”. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to how gentrification has priced out long-time residents and transformed traditional communities into enclaves catering to wealthier foreigners.
However, as the march progressed through the Condesa neighborhood, tensions escalated. A group of masked individuals broke away from the main crowd and began vandalizing storefronts, including a Starbucks and several upscale restaurants. Windows were shattered, graffiti was sprayed on walls, and a clothing store was reportedly looted. Some demonstrators also confronted foreign diners seated at outdoor cafés, shouting slogans and demanding they leave.
While the majority of participants remained peaceful, the violent turn of events drew a swift response from local authorities. Police were deployed to disperse the crowd and restore order, though no major injuries were reported.
This protest marked one of the largest and most intense demonstrations against gentrification in Mexico City to date. It underscored the growing frustration among residents who feel marginalized by urban development trends and foreign investment. As the city continues to grapple with housing inequality and cultural shifts, the July 4 march may serve as a flashpoint in the broader debate over who gets to call Mexico City home.
Source: Eje Central
