The Mexico City Anti-Gentrification Front, one of the organizations behind the protest, stated it was “completely against” any acts of physical violence and denied that the protests were xenophobic. Instead, the organization cited failures by the local government to address the root of the problems.

Many Mexicans say they've been priced out of their neighborhoods; critics blame government policies, including ones to attract digital nomads.

Last week, residents of Mexico City staged a fierce protest railing against gentrification and mass tourism. It was fueled by government failures and active promotion to attract digital nomads, according to experts, who said tension had been mounting for years.