Gentrification Protest Turns Violent at UNAM Campus

Mexico City — A second protest against gentrification in Mexico City concluded with acts of vandalism at Metrobús stations and the University Museum of Contemporary Art (MUAC), where a group of masked individuals shattered windows. Authorities reported that the demonstration, which drew approximately 600 participants, was largely peaceful, with three minor medical incidents—including a woman struck by a thrown rock—none requiring hospitalization.

Protest Against Megaproject

The march began after 2:30 p.m. near the Fuentes Brotantes Metrobús station, where over 20 activist groups gathered before proceeding toward El Caminero. Led by residents of Santa Úrsula Xitla, protesters demanded the cancellation of the Fuentes Brotantes 134 real estate megaproject, citing its social, cultural, and environmental impact.

“What they now call gentrification is the dispossession of our shared resources,” demonstrators declared.

Clashes and Escalation

While organizers, identified by orange armbands, urged peaceful participation and prioritized speeches from affected communities, tensions arose when a group of masked youths attempted to lead the march. After an hour of speeches, the procession set off at around 4 p.m., with Santa Úrsula Xitla residents at the front, followed by elderly participants and other activist groups.

Protesters accused real estate firms Azimuth and Graus of criminalizing and threatening local opposition. Others highlighted how megaprojects accelerate gentrification in boroughs like Coyoacán, Tlalpan, Xochimilco, Gustavo A. Madero, and Azcapotzalco.

Businesses along the route closed as a precaution, with one displaying a sign reading: Family-owned Mexican business.

Vandalism at UNAM

After an hour and a half, the march returned toward Fuentes Brotantes, where peaceful participants dispersed. However, a faction of masked individuals clashed with police near the Perisur Metrobús station, vandalizing infrastructure before entering the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) campus. Police did not pursue them due to jurisdictional limits.

At UNAM, the group shattered windows at the MUAC, defaced security booths, and vandalized the Julio Torri bookstore, destroying books.

UNAM Condemns Actions

UNAM issued a statement condemning the vandalism and announced plans to file legal complaints. Authorities continue to investigate the incidents.