Third march against gentrification in Mexico City: Molotov cocktails and dangerous objects confiscated

Mexico City witnessed its third march against gentrification this weekend, a protest that brought together nearly 200 people , according to the city government. The goal of the mobilization was to demand decent housing and stop the forced displacement caused by high housing prices resulting from the arrival of foreigners and massive real estate projects in traditional neighborhoods.

Although the demonstration progressed peacefully for most of the route, authorities from the Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) and the Secretariat of Government (SECGOB) reported the seizure of dangerous objects , including a Molotov cocktail inside a backpack , as well as bats, chains, spray paint and a hammer .

According to the official report, one of the most tense moments occurred near the Juárez Metro station , where a brief confrontation between protesters and SSC officers occurred. Following the incident, authorities decided to temporarily close the station , recommending that users seek alternative routes.

During the search of backpacks and belongings, officers from the capital's police force detected a backpack containing gasoline , in addition to the aforementioned blunt objects, which according to authorities could have been used to attack or damage public furniture .

Despite this discovery, authorities confirmed that the day ended with no arrests or injuries.

Protesters denounce that gentrification in areas like Roma, Condesa, Juárez, and the Historic Center has led to skyrocketing rental and sales prices, making it difficult for longtime residents to remain. "We are being displaced from our homes and our neighborhoods," some protesters expressed, carrying signs with slogans such as " Living should not be a luxury " and " The city is not for sale ."

The protest also focused on the use of public spaces, as upon arriving at the capital's Zócalo , attendees reported that they were not allowed into the Plaza de la Constitución , which remained secured for the video mapping show that takes place every night.

"They're closing down the Zócalo while they take away our homes," one of the protesters told independent media outlets covering the demonstration.

Unable to access the Zócalo, the contingent resumed its route toward the Eje Central , although the final destination of the mobilization was not specified . The organizers do not rule out further marches in the coming weeks, especially if their demands are not concretely addressed.

This was the third time this year that a mobilization was called under the slogan " Against gentrification and for the right to the city ." Previous protests were also marked by police surveillance and tension between groups and authorities.

The Mexico City government has previously stated that the gentrification phenomenon is multifactorial , and that inclusive housing policies are being evaluated. However, civil society organizations and academics have criticized the measures as still insufficient to stem the disproportionate rise in rental prices and the loss of social fabric in the affected neighborhoods.

To date, the Government has not issued a specific statement regarding this third march or the seizure of dangerous objects.

The third march against gentrification in Mexico City reflects the growing social unrest over the loss of the right to housing and public space . Although the march ended without major incident, the discovery of a Molotov cocktail and other dangerous objects raises questions about possible infiltration or confrontational tactics . Meanwhile, the debate over the city model being built remains open, and residents are demanding to be heard before being displaced.