Mexican President Sheinbaum Criticizes March Against Gentrification: 'Xenophobic Displays'

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the march against gentrification and mass tourism that took place in Mexico City, calling it "xenophobic."

Speaking at her daily press conference, Sheinbaum said the "xenophobic displays seen at that protest have to be condemned." "No one should be able to say 'any nationality get out of our country' even over a legitimate problem like gentrification," she added, claiming that the country has always been "open, fraternal."

The march in question took place last Friday, when hundreds of demonstrators walked through touristic spots holding signs with messages such as "Gringo: Stop stealing our home" and "Housing regulations now!" according to The Associated Press.

By the end of the protest a group began breaking windows of different stores and looting businesses. A person wrote "kill a gringo" on a wall. The outlet noted that Sheinbaum has been accused of fueling mass tourism following the signing of an agreement with Airbnb and UNESCO in 2022 when she was the mayor of Mexico

It added that, especially since the 2020 pandemic, some neighborhoods have seen a large influx of foreign tourists and digital nomads, their arrival driving up housing costs. "Gentrification isn't just foreigners' fault, it's the fault of the government and these companies that prioritize the money foreigners bring," said the Mexico City Anti-Gentrification Front, one of the groups behind the protest.

The organization condemned the violence but it denied the protests were xenophobic. "Young people and the working class can't afford to live here," the group added in a statement.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reacted to the protest on Sunday, saying in a social media post on X: "If you are in the United States illegally and wish to join the next protest in Mexico City, use the CBP Home app to facilitate your departure," a reference to the tool used for self-deportation purposes.