Protests Erupt in Mexico City as Remote Workers Face Backlash

Increasing tension in Mexico City has led to protests against remote workers from abroad, with locals highlighting the negative impacts of gentrification on their livelihoods and cultural identity.

Protests in Mexico City have ignited as local residents confront the rising presence of remote workers, particularly affluent expatriates, which they believe is exacerbating gentrification. Demonstrators, armed with signs demonstrating their frustrations, openly vocalized their displeasure with slogans such as “Gringo, go home!” and “Gentrification is colonization!”

This latest protest, which occurred on a Friday, escalated to the point where hubs frequented by remote workers faced vandalism. In response, President Claudia Sheinbaum acknowledged the protestors’ concerns, noting a growing sense of unrest in North America’s largest city due to an increasing number of well-off foreigners, particularly from the U.S. The price spikes in food and rent have left many longtime residents infuriated.

Daniela Grave, a local resident participating in the protest, expressed the sentiments held by many: “The playing field is not level,” she said, referring to the disparity created by the inflow of foreigners earning in dollars, which has given them economic leverage in areas transformed into English-speaking enclaves filled with upscale stores and dining options.

The movement against the influx of foreign remote workers has been years in the making. The trend accelerated during the pandemic, with many choosing to settle in central neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma. Melding into these areas has caused a drift away from traditional language and customs, leading locals to feel culturally sidelined amid the changing landscape. The protests are not just about economic discrepancies; they represent a wider struggle for identity amid rapid change.