"Gringo Go Home" Protests in Mexico? What does this mean for you?
If you’ve seen the headlines lately—especially the ones about anti-gringo protests in Mexico City—you might be wondering:
“Wait, am I still welcome in Mexico?”
Totally fair question. If we were sitting up in Canada or the U.S. watching that on the news, we’d probably feel a little uneasy too.
So let’s unpack what actually happened—and what it really means for people like you who are thinking about buying property in Mexico or making a full-on move to paradise.
Spoiler alert: the vibe on the ground is way more relaxed than the headlines suggest.
Was There Really a “Gringo Go Home” Protest?
Yes. But here’s what you probably didn’t hear:
👉 It was a small protest, organized by a fringe group who’s protested other things before—like rent subsidies.
👉 When their demands weren’t met, they looked for a new target and landed on… foreigners.
👉 The signs looked dramatic, and the media ran with it. But that doesn’t mean it reflects what most Mexicans think.
We’ve got folks on the ground in Mexico City, and life there is pretty much business as usual. People from all over the world are still sipping coffee in cafés, browsing markets, and going about their day without any issues.
So… Are Americans and Canadians Still Welcome in Mexico?
Absolutely. And especially in places like La Paz, Baja California Sur, which remains one of the most welcoming, laid-back, and expat-friendly cities in the country.
Download our "La Paz: The Pearl of Baja: guide here.
We work with foreign clients every day who are relocating here or buying property for vacation homes, retirement, or a lifestyle shift—and what we hear over and over is this:
❤️ “People here are so kind.”
🌮 “The food is amazing and the pace of life just feels better.”
🏝️ “We feel safer and more relaxed here than we did back home.”
And just in case you were wondering—Mexico’s new president, Claudia Sheinbaum, publicly condemned the xenophobic messages and made it crystal clear: harassment of foreigners won’t be tolerated. Period.
Okay, But What About Gentrification and Rising Prices?
Let’s be real for a sec. Yes, things are changing.
Prices in big cities like CDMX have gone up. Rent’s gone up. And some locals—especially younger generations—are feeling squeezed out of neighborhoods they grew up in.
That’s a real issue, and it deserves attention. But here’s some context:
Tourism and international investment in Mexico aren’t new—they’ve been part of the government’s growth strategy for years.
A lot of the changes you see (like short-term rentals and high-end developments) are actually driven by local developers and landlords, not foreigners.
Foreigners don’t set the prices—but yes, their presence can accelerate shifts if they’re not thoughtful.
That’s where we all come in. If you’re moving to Mexico, the best thing you can do is integrate with respect and awareness.
How to Be a Good Neighbor in Mexico
We’ve helped hundreds of people make the move—and the ones who thrive all have a few things in common:
🌎 They make an effort to learn Spanish
No, you don’t need to be fluent. But a few words, a friendly “Buenos días”—it goes a long way. Keep learning as you go. Locals will appreciate the effort.
🪅 They embrace the culture, not try to change it
This isn’t “cheap California” or “Canada with better tacos.” Mexico is its own beautiful thing. The more you lean into that, the richer your life will be here.
💡 They educate themselves
Knowing what rent should cost in a certain area, tipping norms (usually 10%, not 20%), or local customs helps you avoid sticking out in ways that might make life harder for everyone—including yourself.
❤️ They get involved
Want to feel connected? Volunteer. Join a beach cleanup. Help fundraise for school supplies. There are tons of ways to be part of your new community.
(Volunteering with Baja Dogs Sterilizations)
Mexico Can Be Home—If You Treat It Like One
We totally understand that moving to a new country can feel overwhelming. The first few months can be a shock. Things work differently. Bureaucracy can be weird. Timelines can be flexible (very flexible 😂). But that’s all part of the charm.
Come with an open heart. Be curious. Be patient. And most of all—come because you want something different.
And if that “different” includes blue waters, warm people, slower days, and a deep sense of peace - then La Paz, BCS might be exactly where you belong.
Dream Baja Realty Is Here to Help You Move the Right Way
We don’t just help you buy a house—we help you build a life.
Whether you’re in the early research phase or already planning your move, our team at Dream Baja Realty is here to:
✅ Help you understand the Mexican real estate process
✅ Connect you with trustworthy local professionals
✅ Guide you to neighborhoods that match your lifestyle
✅ Provide honest, realistic info about life in La Paz and beyond
Resources to Help You Start Your Journey
📘 Download our Free Guides and Books:
The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Mexico
How to Buy Your Dream Home in Baja
La Paz City & Neighborhood Guide
🔍 Use our MLS-powered search tool to explore properties
💬 Book a free consultation and let’s talk about your goals
Final Thoughts
Don’t let a fringe protest scare you away from something amazing.
Mexico—especially places like La Paz —has so much to offer. The key is coming with respect, humility, and a willingness to participate in your new community.
We’ll be here to guide you every step of the way. 🏡🌴
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P.S. Want a different take on the protests? We recommend reading this article by another CDMX resident:
