Hundreds of angry protestors marched through Mexico City this week, attacking American businesses and screaming at tourists. They smashed windows of Starbucks and banks while carrying signs telling “gringos” to go home. This violence specifically targeted U.S. citizens celebrating Independence Day in Mexico’s capital city.
Local Mexicans blame Americans for skyrocketing rents that pushed families out of neighborhoods. They say foreign workers flooded in during COVID lockdowns, turning local shops into wine bars and coffee places. Many storefronts now display English signs catering to wealthy outsiders. The protestors called this gentrification “dispossession” and accused Americans of hating Mexicans while loving their country.
Friday’s protest started peacefully but turned ugly fast. Masked agitators destroyed businesses in tourist areas like Condesa and Roma. They harassed diners at restaurants, demanding to see ID to prove they weren’t foreigners. Videos show terrified tourists fleeing taquerías while mobs chanted anti-American slogans. Graffiti left on shattered storefronts read: “Get out of Mexico.”
This isn’t just about economics—it’s ideology. Organizers deliberately scheduled the rally on July 4th to protest “American imperialism.” They marched straight to the U.S. Embassy screaming about foreign invasion. One speaker ranted: “We’re sick of foreigners buying our homeland with dollars!” Their signs labeled expats as “invaders,” not visitors.
Mexico City officials weakly denounced the violence while siding with protestors’ “concerns.” This hypocrisy ignores how American tourism pumps billions into their economy yearly. Locals enjoy stable jobs because U.S. dollars flow into their shops and restaurants. Instead of gratitude, they scapegoat hardworking Americans for their own government’s failures.
Let’s be clear: These attacks reek of envy and nationalism. While protestors smash Starbucks windows, they gladly take American cash at their markets. They want U.S. money without U.S. people—a cowardly double standard. True patriots don’t terrorize innocent tourists over housing policies.
Mexico should thank Americans, not target them. Our tourists create jobs and fund local schools through taxes. If Mexico City’s leaders had any spine, they’d arrest the vandals and protect visitors. Instead, they enable this unhinged mob mentality against their biggest benefactors.
This incident exposes a troubling reality: anti-American hatred festers worldwide, fueled by jealousy and lies. As conservatives, we stand with every American targeted abroad. Our dollars built those neighborhoods—and our courage will defend our right to be there.