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Mexico City Officials Propose Stricter Rent Controls After Violent Anti-Tourism Protests

The government faces calls to regulate short-term rentals and cap rents following xenophobic violence

A demonstrator burns an effigy of U.S. President Donald Trump in Parque Mexico, during a protest against gentrification, as the increase in remote workers has risen prices and increased housing demand in neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma, in Mexico City, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Orbach)
A man points to his Mexican ID to prove his nationality as people protest against gentrification, as the increase in remote workers has risen prices and increased housing demand in neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma, in Mexico City, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Jon Orbach)
Demonstrators hold posters that read in Spanish ¨Here we speak Spanish, Real Estate Regulation Now¨, during a protest against gentrification, as the increase in remote workers has risen prices and increased housing demand in neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma, in Mexico City, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)
A demonstrator tosses a restaurant chair at the end of peaceful protest that turned violent against gentrification, as the increase in remote workers has risen prices and increased housing demand in neighborhoods like Condesa and Roma, in Mexico City, Friday, July 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Aurea Del Rosario)

Overview

  • A demonstration in Condesa and Roma over rising rents and mass tourism turned destructive as masked protesters vandalized shops and harassed foreigners.
  • President Claudia Sheinbaum denounced xenophobic chants like “Gringo go home” and property damage; she also urged housing reforms to address gentrification.
  • The U.S. Department of Homeland Security drew criticism for a mocking tweet that encouraged unauthorized migrants to self-deport via its CBP Home app.
  • Local activists and experts blame lax housing regulations, rapid Airbnb growth and a 2022 tourism pact with UNESCO for exacerbating the affordable-housing shortage.
  • The unrest has spotlighted global concerns over overtourism and prompted city leaders to consider strict rent caps and limits on short-term rentals.