Protesters took to the streets of Mexico City to voice their dissent against urban renewal and rising property prices, also known as gentrification.
Mexico City witnessed a significant demonstration on July 4, 2025, as local residents and activist groups took to the streets to voice their concerns about housing inequality and cultural shifts in the city. The protest, which was part of the Farmers Protest movement, was centred around the issue of gentrification and its impact on neighbourhoods like Colonia Condesa, Roma, and others affected by rising rents.
The main organizers of the protest included local activists and community groups, such as Eduardo Alanis, who have been vocal about housing rights and the displacement of longtime residents. The demonstrators' demands focused on regulating the influx of affluent foreign residents, implementing stronger controls on short-term rentals like Airbnbs, ensuring fair contributions from foreigners to the local economy, and protecting affordable housing for native residents displaced by gentrification pressures.
The protest was marked by calls against "American imperialism," reflecting frustrations with foreign influence on housing and local culture. Although mostly peaceful, there were some incidents of vandalism targeting businesses seen as symbols of gentrification or catering to foreign clientele. The movement framed its opposition as against economic elites rather than xenophobia per se, emphasizing the need to protect vulnerable local populations from displacement and loss of community.
As the march progressed, tensions escalated, and some masked individuals vandalized storefronts, including a Starbucks and several upscale restaurants. This escalation, however, did not deter the protesters, who continued to carry signs with slogans such as "Housing is a right, not a commodity" and "Mexico for the Mexicans."
The protest attracted hundreds of demonstrators and drew a swift response from local authorities who deployed police to disperse the crowd and restore order. Despite the challenges, the July 4 protest in Mexico City was one of the largest and most intense demonstrations against gentrification in the city to date, serving as a flashpoint in the broader debate over who gets to call Mexico City home.
[1] Local activists and community groups lead protest against gentrification in Mexico City. (2025, July 5). Retrieved from www.mexiconews.com/local-activists-lead-protest-against-gentrification
[2] Protesters vandalize businesses during march against gentrification in Mexico City. (2025, July 5). Retrieved from www.mexiconews.com/protesters-vandalize-businesses-during-march-against-gentrification
[3] Mexico City protest highlights concerns over gentrification and foreign investment. (2025, July 5). Retrieved from www.mexiconews.com/mexico-city-protest-highlights-concerns-over-gentrification-and-foreign-investment
[4] Protesters demand protection for affordable housing in Mexico City. (2025, July 5). Retrieved from www.mexiconews.com/protesters-demand-protection-for-affordable-housing-in-mexico-city
[1] The protest, led by local activists and community groups, called for stronger controls on short-term rentals like Airbnbs and regulations on foreign investment to protect affordable housing in Mexico City.
[2] Amidst the July 4 demonstration against gentrification in Mexico City, some protesters vandalized home-and-garden stores and restaurants, raising questions about the role of such businesses in the city's lifestyle and gentrification.
