Protests/Demonstrations in Mexico
 

I've decided to post this thread to keep visitors abreast of what's going on in CDMX regarding the major demonstrations over the city the last several weeks.

The Coordinadora Nacional de Trabajadores de la Educación (CNTE) has been demonstrating in CDMX for at least 3 weeks now for a new contract. Initially, the government authorized their stay on the Zócalo, probably thinking things would work out.

But they have taken over not only the Zócalo, but the side streets and even main walking corridors in the city. And everyday they demonstrate.

They have closed down roads, interstate lanes, metro and metro buses and even the airport. Today they shut down two metro bus line routes again.

If you are visiting Mexico City soon, expect to see this spectacle. Any major updates, I'll post them in this thread.

Current live video:

https://www.youtube.com/live/t6gnTZ2DwaQ?feature=shared

(Several photos and videos)
https://x.com/5antaMerlina/status/1929051146213081405?t=9lG1MAXFR3fnTX_NzMU1Jg&s=19

CNTE has become violent as of yesterday and they even stole one of the government vehicles and sprayed painted their logo on it. I would recommend all visitors to stay away from the areas they are occupying.

https://x.com/Reforma/status/1930350624840769730

https://x.com/JCWilliams54/status/1930400882409021830

Today another demonstration at the Buenavista Metro and Train/Bus station. There will be road blocks and transportation disruptions. Lots of hotels in this area that tourists use. Not sure where they are marching to.

https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...24cc4fb1a9.jpg

The situation seems to be growing worse. In addition to blocking roads today, the CNTE started fires inside and outside of a government building. I think anyone staying near a government facility should be extra cautious. Also, all these protesters are professors and teachers believe it or not. They are demanding a 100% pay increase.

This is a Government Bank they are destroying today:


Be careful where you travel in CDMX. These teachers don't have to be back to school until the autumn. Until the local mayor does something this will continue. I have to say CDMX security has been falling again since they have the new mayor. Two of her top government officials were assassinated in broad daylight a few weeks ago. That's the highest criminal act that has occur in the city for years. And now all this current wave of violence makes you wonder. I just can't see this getting any better anytime soon.

Edit: Some teachers from Oaxaca are leaving CDMX to go back for their upcoming semester. So, many will be gone soon.

Edit #2: The entirety of CNTE is leaving CDMX today, but their leaders stated that they will return with more force. They were in CDMX for 24 days.

UPDATE: The CNTE organization is now in the Yucatán.

"Hundreds of teachers from the National Coordination of Education Workers (CNTE) have escalated their protest movement in Yucatán this week, taking over the Chichén Itzá archaeological site on Wednesday and staging a demonstration at the Maya Train station in Valladolid on Thursday"
-Mexico News Daily

Wish we had checked FT Mexico thread. We just returned after 5 days of visit to CDMX. We saw lots of demonstrations in many parts of the city. However, we were lucky that we had not seen any violence. The worst was the closure of Reformer close to my hotel. One afternoon, after enjoying some coffee and cake at Masion Keyser, it started heavy rain. Called an Uber. Hotel was 1,5 miles away, Due to rain & road closure, the journey took 35 minutes.
CDMX is a fine city. We were able to lunch at Contramar with reservation made 1 day in advance. Enjoyed that experience and the food.
Thank you for posting.

Merida, a small city in the Yucatan that doesn't see many protests, was chosen by these demonstrators who have taken it over now, including demonstrating at the airport and the new Mayan bus station.

Protests/Demonstrations in Mexico City
 

I've been debating about starting a thread on the opposition to gentrification in Mexico City. But the protests initially were non-violent a few years ago, and now they are becoming more violent and if you are a foreigner, especially from the USA be careful where you choose your accommodations. Hotels will be safer, but just like Barcelona, they don't want foreigners in CDMX. Many of the local people can barely get by now and their cost of living has almost doubled in some cases.

Here's a video of what just happened yesterday. It will only get worse. I moved from CDMX two weeks ago because of this. The people don't treat foreigners the same. Maybe some people do, but it's very noticeable if you have lived here for some time. It's really sad it has come down to this.

Just pay attention and watch your back. They are good for doing things behind your back. If you run across any issues please post them in this thread to help other visitors avoid certain areas or situations. If you can't see the first video, just click the youtube link to open it.

There are plans to take their movement to other cities including Merida and San Miguel de Allende. Once it spreads across the majority of Mexico, I'll be leaving this country for good. I don't want to be anywhere that I'm a target. They attacked innocent bystanders yesterday too. Things don't help with the turmoil at the border and deportation laws in the USA. Any additional protests or demonstrations, I'll post them here.

Thanks so much for these updates, Global Adventurer, I appreciate it !! I'm hoping that Quintana Roo doesn't get affected by these protests, as my husband & I are there 3x a year & we often rent vehicles & drive ourselves.

No problem at all. If the Mexican government doesn't appease this group and others they will certainly be in Quintana Roo too. It's on their list too from what I've been reading on social media. Hopefully, your upcoming visits will be uneventful.

Darn, we were just there in May and were welcomed. I was planning an extended stay revisit later in the year. Maybe not now.

Which area did you stay? Like I mentioned in a previous post further up, try to stay away from Condesa, Roma Norte and that general area. Those are the most targeted areas. Try to stay in an actual hotel. There's people walking around simply spraying paint or squirting water on visitors. What they are doing in Barcelona is what they are doing in CDMX but Barcelona isn't as bad yet. I'm glad I left CDMX when I did. I will only go back to catch a connecting flight. I could feel things getting worse and didn't trust anyone I ran across. I dealt with lots of businesses that didn't want my business. I got up and left. The average person will not confront you, they hate confrontations, it's what they do behind your back. I don't trust even ordering food and have it spit in, etc. Seriously. They smile in your face 👀. Hopefully you don't run into these people. If they take this to Cancun and Tulum, which is on their list too believe it or not. They're just shooting themselves in the foot. But I would avoid those popular neighborhoods just in case, because if you look like a foreigner you are a target, unfortunately. I was CDMX's #1 fan, but not anymore 😞

I just want to add, that all of this is compounded by foreigners (from the USA) posting their dislikes about the city all over the social media and more recently a woman from Argentina belittling a CDMX police officer, and more. Tempers are flaring.

And lastly, the President of Mexico just stated today, that "any man or woman that comes to Mexico must respect the Mexican people" and specifically mentioned the woman from Argentina.

We stayed on Avenida de la Reforma at the Marriott. But we wandered around Roma Norte quite a bit. The people were so nice and friendly.
Plan was an AirBnB or small hotel in Condesa area, so seems like waiting might be a good idea. Because the thought was to spend time just wandering around absorbing the day to day life.

Just stay in a hotel and you would have nothing to be concerned about.

They're always friendly because they hate confrontations.

This is what happened in Condesa with that lady. She made a racist statement about the officer. She's being investigated because of public outcry.

I've been looking for a video in English (auto-dubbed AI) that explains exactly what's going on with the gentrification in Mexico. So, try to not to stay in Airbnbs when you visit, regardless if you have done it for years. That would be my first recommendation. Besides that the locals know which buildings are used for Airbnb, especially when you see people coming and going with luggage. Don't be a target.

This is a real shame, although when we were there mid and end of June just gone, we did not see nor experience anything against tourists. I would say that we were often asked where we came from and there was a positive reaction when we said “London” or generally that we were European (particularly by a politician in Coyoacán.

however, not sure I read your post above correctly, but I would be in full support of anyone stating that visitors should respect the country and the people of that country, as this should be the number one rule of tourism, and the reasons some nationality are seen as bad tourists.

People from the USA are the ones that the locals don't want here. It's been that way for awhile now. It's just getting worse. But they can tell where people are from just with their accent, even if they speak Spanish. And like I mentioned before, they do things behind your back and it's not so obvious at first, especially to someone who hasn't lived in the city for years.

Proposed Legislation - For Discriminatory Foreigners
 

As part of the current climate regarding anti-gentrification, disrespectful foreigners can lose their visa, temporary or permanent residency if found to be discriminatory against any Mexican national. That's what has been put forth for vote in the CDMX general assembly this week. The lady (a foreign resident) in the clip above was video taped again recently a second time berating security guards.

"Morena (party) Senator Cynthia López Castro presented an initiative to withdraw the visa, temporary or permanent residence of any foreigner who commits an act of discrimination in Mexico." El Universal

This is getting a lot of traction. I thought it was newsworthy to put this here, since many people reading this forum obtain visitor visas and temporary residency.

Yeah, but I want to spend my time like I was living in the city, that means a ton of time in shops, restaurants, etc. Interactions with the locals. Sounds like not the best time to do that. Will wait to see how it shakes out.
On our last visit, I was very cognizant of the hard working folks. We tipped generously. The price of ubers are insanely cheap. I don't understand how the drivers actually make any money. Going from the Reforma area to historic center for $3 or $4 dollars? Our tips were often larger than the fare itself.

When I said "Just stay in a Hotel", I meant don't stay in an Airbnb because many people know where they are and you could be a target. I've mentioned this before, the fact I was living in the center of Roma Norte for a year and a half and moved because of the influx of foreigners and the fact I was being treated negatively by the locals. I could tell then they didn't want me there. Whenever you do return, be aware of what's going on. Like I said it's the little things they do that are not so obvious to most people. Take your business elsewhere when you see it happening. I stopped giving large tips. I used to when I first moved there but that contributes to the problem, unless you have a boatload of luggage. Also the typical Mexican only makes $600 per month, definitely not more than $1000. The average annual income in the USA is considered very wealthy in Mexico. Most of them live with their families their entire life and don't pay for an apartment or house. Most of the houses are passed down and whoever lives there just pays for the upkeep and taxes. I'm glad I got out of CDMX when I did.

⚠️ Heads up: Anti-Gentrification March Sunday, July 20 @3pm
 

An Anti-Gentrification Demonstration and March is scheduled for Sunday, July 20 @3pm. The participants will meet at Fuentes Brotantes de Tlalpan National Park in the Alcaldía of Tlalpan, south of the city. They will march north through the city.

If you're in town on that day, expect some possible disturbances and avoid the demonstration.

Side note: Tlalpan is the headquarters of the Morena Party and home to President Claudia Sheinbaum and previous president AMLO. It's possible that this demonstration could gain a lot of traction.

"Mexico City is preparing for a new mobilization against gentrification. This time, the announced route will be in the south of the capital, and the call is open to "the entire city."

This march will be the second protest organized against the phenomenon of gentrification, which has generated growing tensions in the capital due to rising housing costs, the massive influx of wealthy foreigners, and the displacement of traditional communities.

The protest seeks to highlight the impact of real estate speculation, vertical development, and platforms like Airbnb in popular areas of the city. Although there has been no official confirmation from the authorities, the organizers insist the demonstration will be peaceful and cultural." -PubliMETRO

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.fly...8902b78e8.jpeg

Well great. Ugh.

Our trip in a few weeks is to a resort near Puerto Aventuras for the whole trip, so we won't be out & about too much. My husband will go diving a few times from Akumal. But, our Dec & April trips are to Mahahual (small local hotel for the 1st half of the trips) & Akumal (condo rental on Half Moon Bay for the 2nd half of the trips). A whole lot of out & about on those trips (as well as the condo rentals) !!

I'll keep a close eye on news about this as well as your posts !!

Puerto Aventuras would be close to last on their list! I wouldn't worry about that area at all because it's mainly hotels/condo rentals. I've stayed in that area before. The top locations would be Tulum, Cancun centro, and other cities like San Miguel, not the hotel zones. But right now they are focusing on cities and neighborhoods where the local people live, where you purchase houses.

I've gone to some of their social media sites and they are even talking about boycotting and protesting the FIFA match next year in Mexico City. They are not happy with all the remodeling of the airport and other areas for "visitors" and not caring about the citizens who live in the city and all the houses and apartments that will be rented out. Currently, Mexico City is a hot kettle on the stove ready to boil over. But you'll be ok. Enjoy your trip!

As a side note: As I had mentioned I move out of an apartment in CDMX and decided to rent a full-service hotel, that in no way can be construed as an apartment or somewhere the locals would want to rent. I just don't need any issues.

Ha, yeah, I would imagine that Pto Avent. wouldn't be a hotbed of protests. :-) Probably just not large enough of a town for maximum impact. And, Pto Avent proper doesn't really have houses/apts that would be purchased by foreigners (I would guess).

Not ideal for you, but at least you're still lucky enough to be living in Mexico !! :-)

After 3 dozen or so trips to Q Roo over the years (& counting) our hope is to at least spends our winters down there at some point. (fingers crossed) (in a vacation rental, of course, so I guess we're part of the problem :eek: )

The Protesters newest flyer includes their sponsors, but I can't remove my file information from it, so I deleted it.

CDMX government announced that during the newest planned protest scheduled for July 20th, they will have a large security presence to help prevent damages to businesses and other property. Last time, security was sorely lacking. So visitors to the city for the most part shouldn't be in harms way if they avoid the group.

https://vanguardia.com.mx/noticias/m...d2920287435481

Here's the announcement from the CDMX Police Chief regarding their stance on the demonstration tomorrow, Sunday, 20 July. I'm unable to locate a written version or news article of their plan because they put it in a video only for now.

In a nutshell, the CDMX security will arrest anyone in possession of criminal tools, causing destruction etc. The demonstration is authorized, free speech is authorized, but destruction or physical assaults will not be tolerated. The US Embassy specifically instructed US Citizens to not participate in this demonstration or they will lose their visas, etc (as in all demonstrations worldwide). Mexicans on social media have been posting this on their social media websites. I've already posted it in on the "Embassy Alert" page for Mexico. So, avoid the area and don't give them a reason to interact.

When I find a written security plan I will post it in this thread.


BELOW: I've decided to post the US Embassy announcement below so there's no mistake about their message to anyone from the USA including their staff should avoid traveling to Tlalpan on 20 July.

July 18, 2025
Location: Tlalpan, between Fuentes Brotantes and El Caminero
Event: Anti-gentrification demonstrations are expected to take place on Sunday, July 20 starting at 3:00 p.m. A previous demonstration occurred in the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods on July 4, and some in that group vandalized property and threw rocks at people perceived to be foreigners. U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid the demonstration area. U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations that may be deemed political by authorities, as Mexican law prohibits political activities by foreign citizens, and participation may result in detention or deportation. Expect traffic congestion, enhanced police presence, and increased security measures in the area.

Actions to Take:

Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
Monitor local media for updates.
Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.
U.S. Citizen Assistance: 

Contact Form
U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico
From Mexico: (55) 8526 2561
From the United States:  +1-844-528-6611
Department of State – Consular Affairs:  +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444
Links: 

Mexico International Travel information 
U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel
U.S. Passports
Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) 
Department of State on Facebook  and X 
U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook  and X 
Alerts

Demonstrration in Roma Norte - Today July 19, 2025
 

This march/demonstrations appears to be non-violent at the moment: It's in Roma Norte: The one scheduled tomorrow I believe will be huge according to all the posts on various social media platforms.

"Protesters are mobilizing in the Roma Norte neighborhood of Mexico City on July 19 as part of the 2nd March Against Gentrification to highlight the effects of rising housing costs and demand public policies that address this issue."

UPDATE: The Police will carry NO WEAPONS, only defense equipment such as Helmets etc
 

Here's a news snippet of what the CDMX police department plans to do tomorrow:

https://entidadoaxaca.mx/2025/07/pol...x-sin-armas-2/

Colonias and Barrios that Demonstrators will March to on July 20th
 

UPDATE: The areas where the demonstrators will march

It Starts at the Metro Bus Station Fuentes Brotantes in Tlalpan:

*Unidad Habitacional Fuentas Brotantes

*Colonia Fuentes

*Colonia Santa Urgula Xitla (This is where corporations are using existing forest areas for multi-story buildings)

*Barrio La Fama

*Barrio Camisetas

*Barrio Arenal

These areas are all in the Alcaldia of Tlalpan and home to the current and former Presidents. No word if they will venture out of this area even though social media sites indicate they may. Avoid these areas for your own safety.

*And maybe stay away from Xochimilco too, especially if you are taking the metro there.

Demonstration-AntiMilitary in Palestine- Angel of Independence to Hemiciclo Monument
 

There will be a group of demonstrators marching at 2:00 pm from the Angel of Independence to the Hemiciclo Monument (near Almeda Central). They will be protesting against the war in Palestine, the new Mexican Bio-Metric Curp (Bio Metric National Identification) and other agenda items. Another area to avoid.

List of all Demonstrations and Rallies today (Sun 20 July) in Mexico City
 

From PubliMetro website:

Scheduled marches

1. Interuniversity and Popular Assembly for Palestine

• Time: 2:00 p.m.
• Departure point: Angel of Independence
• Destination: Hemicycle to Juarez
• Reason: March against militarization and mass surveillance, in rejection of the contracts between the Ministry of National Defense (SEDENA) and Israel Weapon Industries, as well as the legislative package on state surveillance and the Biometric CURP.

2. Anti-Gentrification Neighborhood Front MX

• Time: 3:00 p.m.
• Start: Fuentes Brotantes Metrobus Station, on Insurgentes Sur Avenue
• Destination: El Caminero Metrobús Station
• Reason: To highlight the effects of real estate speculation in areas near stadiums, leading up to the 2026 World Cup, where they are reporting rising rents and pressure to evict tenants.

Concentrations

1. Francisco Villa Popular Organization of the Independent Left (OPFVII)

• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Centauro del Norte Community, 4th Street #216, Agrícola Pantitlán, Iztacalco
• Reason: Political and cultural commemorative activity for the 102nd anniversary of the assassination of Francisco Villa, in defense of the land, a dignified life, and work.

2. Direct Action Everywhere Mexico City

• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Angel of Independence
• Reason: Action against the CowParade art event, which they accuse of “romanticizing violence against animals” in the dairy industry.

3. Common Platform for Palestine Mexico

• Time: 11:00 a.m.
• Location: Hemicycle to Juarez
• Reason: Muralist brigade in support of the march against SEDENA contracts with Israeli arms companies and against the Biometric CURP.

4. Mexican Movement of Solidarity with Cuba and Association of Cubans Residing in Mexico "José Martí"

• Time: 12:00 hours
• Location: Plaza San Carlos, Ignacio Mariscal #63, Tabacalera Colony, Cuauhtémoc
• Reason: Rally against the unilateral removal of statues of Fidel Castro and Ernesto “Che” Guevara.

Mexico City authorities recommended taking precautions, planning alternate routes, and following the instructions of the Traffic Orientation Center of the Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC-CDMX) , as road closures and the presence of traffic personnel could occur to mitigate the impacts.

UPDATE: Many businesses in the Alcaldia of Tlalpan have closed down and boarded up their establishments prior to the protests. Unfortunately, on social media there are calls to impose damage and even local news outlets are posting signs that say "Gringo go home" and "Gringo is not my friend" (that I will not post), and encouraging locals to get out and protests. I think they are being irresponsible. But from what I have been reading, I'm glad I left Mexico City when I did, but this is a countrywide issue unfortunately.

The Gentrification Protest/March was basically uneventful. Just some grafitti. Besides that only a small number of people showed up. There were more police officers than protesters. Below is a link showing the group when they showed up at the end of march route.

Half of Mexico City and surrounding areas had heavy rains the last few days causing major flooding where the locals couldn't even leave their homes. That could have contributed to the very low turnout.




UPDATE: I posted too soon. Now the anarchists are out busting windows since it's getting dark.

⚠️Anti-gentrification protest is expected to take place on Saturday July 26 2:00p
 

This particular protest will probably be more violent since it's in the areas mostly visited by foreigners (who are the subject of this protest).

______________________________
July 25, 2025

Location: CDMX Between Juarez Hemicycle (Monument) and the U.S. Embassy Mexico City



Event: Anti-gentrification demonstrations are expected to take place on Saturday, July 26 starting at 2:00 p.m. Previous demonstrations occurred in the Roma and Condesa neighborhoods on July 4 and the Tlalpan neighborhood on July 20. Some in those groups vandalized property and threw rocks at people perceived to be foreigners. U.S. government personnel are advised to avoid the demonstration area. U.S. citizens should avoid participating in demonstrations that may be deemed political by authorities, as Mexican law prohibits political activities by foreign citizens, and participation may result in detention or deportation. Expect traffic congestion, enhanced police presence, and increased security measures in the area.



Actions to Take:

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable; avoid areas around protests and demonstrations.
• Monitor local media for updates.
• Follow the directions of local authorities and in case of emergency, call 911.

Assistance:

Contact Form

U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Mexico

From Mexico: (55) 5080 2000

From the United States: 011 52 55 5080 2000

Department of State – Consular Affairs: +1-888-407-4747 or +1-202-501-4444



Links:

Mexico International Travel information

U.S. Citizens in Mexico WhatsApp Channel

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

Department of State on Facebook and X

U.S. Embassy in Mexico on Facebook and X

You can expect some action like this if you are in the vicinity, because they don't want Americans or other foreigners in the city who don't accept them or their customs.