Protests against surging mass tourism in Mexico City end in vandalism, harassment of tourists

A protest against mass tourism that began peacefully Friday in Mexico City turned violent when a small number of people began smashing storefronts and harassing foreigners.

MEXICO CITY — A protest by hundreds against gentrification and mass tourism that began peacefully Friday in Mexico City neighborhoods popular with tourists turned violent when a small number of people began smashing storefronts and harassing foreigners.

Masked protesters smashed through the windows and looted high-end businesses in the touristic areas of Condesa and Roma, and screamed at tourists in the area. Graffiti on glass shattered glass being smashed through with rocks read: “get out of Mexico.” Protesters held signs reading “gringos, stop stealing our home” and demanding local legislation to better regulate tourism levels and stricter housing laws.