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Protests in Mexico City turned violent over the weekend as protesters took to the streets
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making their voices heard against gentrification and mass tourism. The protest was directed at the large number of U.S. tourists
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as rent prices have increased dramatically since 2020 and many locals feel pushed out of their own neighborhoods, the Associated Press reports
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The protest started peacefully Friday in neighborhoods popular with foreign visitors
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People gathered calmly to express concerns about issues like rising rents, displacement
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of locals, and how tourism is affecting their neighborhoods. However, the protests turned violent when a small group began smashing the windows of businesses and threatening tourists
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Protesters painted graffiti messages including After initial actions in local neighborhoods marchers assembled outside the U Embassy
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and that's when more police officers showed up amid the unrest. According to the New York Times, Mexico City's government secretary urged an end to the violence
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saying Mexico City is a city of migrants and that the city's government does not agree with this type of demonstration
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The city's governor, Carla Brugada, released a statement on X denouncing the violence
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However, she said Mexico City officials oppose gentrification and are working on making housing more affordable
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Similar protests have occurred in European cities such as Barcelona, Madrid, Paris and Rome
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where mass tourism and gentrification are also major concerns. For Straight Arrow News, I'm Lauren Keenan
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