When Neighborhoods Change: The Battle Against Gentrification in Mexico City

On July 4, coinciding with US Independence Day, Mexico City witnessed a significant protest against gentrification, a movement fueled by widespread anger over the impacts of rising rents and foreign tourism in popular areas such as Condesa, Roma, and La Juárez. Protesters, many of whom were long-time residents, expressed frustration with the shift in their neighborhoods, where one in five homes have now been converted into short-term rentals. The demonstration began peacefully but escalated when more radical factions targeted local businesses, vandalizing and chanting ”Fuera Gringo!” or ”Gringos Out!”.

The protest was a reaction to narratives like that of Erika Aguilar, whose family’s decades-long tenancy in a historic apartment was disrupted by eviction notices from a real estate company. With no recourse, Erika and her family were forced to move nearly two hours away from their home, mirroring the experiences of many in La Juárez, where over 4,000 cases of forced displacement have been documented in the last ten years.

Activist Sergio González characterized the situation as an urban war over the rights to land, lamenting the soaring property prices that have surged from 4,000 pesos to over 40,000 pesos per month. In response, the city’s mayor, Claudia Sheinbaum, unveiled a 14-point plan aimed at regulating rents and supporting displaced residents, though critics argue these measures are merely palliative solutions.

While some blame the affluent newcomers from the US and Europe for the changes, many appreciate the economic boost that tourism brings. The tension lies not just in economic disparity, but also in the cultural rifts created by newcomers who often fail to engage with the local community or customs, contrasting sharply with the harsh immigration policies of the previous US administration.

As the city evolves, former residents like Erika mourn the loss of their communities and nostalgic memories associated with local businesses that have vanished. They fear that their neighborhoods are losing their identity, turning into environments geared primarily toward tourism and luxury, while the soul of spaces like La Juárez fades away.