‘¡Fuera gringos!’: Mexicans take to the streets to protest gentrification and the treatment of migrants in the U.S.

This was the march against gentrification in Mexico City; firecrackers were thrown at Starbucks.

With slogans such as “Out with the gringos!”, “Spanish is spoken here,” and “No to real estate greed,” the first demonstration against gentrification took place in Mexico City (CDMX) this Friday, July 4th.

For some time, Mexicans have been upset about the high costs caused by digital nomads. It’s also bothersome that most of them don’t pay taxes.

Many of the protesters complained that Mexican migrants are being treated like “garbage” in the US despite working and contributing economically to that country.

In recent weeks, the immigration policy spearheaded by Donald Trump has affected Mexican migrants. The operations have been violent, arresting anyone seen with brown skin.
These images have caused a stir in Mexico, where many have family, friends, or acquaintances in the US.

Residents of the Doctores, Obrera, Roma, and Condesa neighborhoods led this afternoon’s mobilization in Parque México in the Cuauhtémoc borough, protesting the presence of foreigners, whom they accuse of raising the cost of services and housing in these areas of the capital, causing the displacement of residents.

Gentrification in Mexico City, which involves the displacement of a native population by one with greater purchasing power, has forced dozens of Mexicans to move to the outskirts due to high rents.

During the protest, protesters damaged businesses and homes. They also engaged in some arguments with local tourists. Meanwhile, a small group of people painted graffiti, broke windows, and threw firecrackers at a Starbucks in the Condesa neighborhood.

Under the slogan “Gentrification isn’t progress, it’s dispossession,” dozens of people denounced rising rents and real estate tourism (through accommodation apps like Airbnb), two phenomena that have ultimately driven longtime residents out of the capital’s neighborhoods.

“This is about our right to housing and against real estate speculation that drives people to expel, speculate, and also promote a lifestyle that damages the environment,” explained journalist Jacaranda Correa.