ANA MÉNDEZ: The third day of protests by the Front Against Gentrification began with pushing and shoving. Now dissatisfied, they took to the streets of downtown Mexico City to head toward the U.S. Embassy.
PROTESTER: We weren't even ready to march when there were already thugs here.
MÉNDEZ: However, the group was surrounded by the capital's police, which caused a change of route to the Zócalo and chaos among the protesters.
PROTESTERS: Students Against War!
MÉNDEZ: Protesters who say they are demanding decent housing, affordable rents, and protection of local culture.
PROTESTER: They're stripping us of our activities, our culture, our daily lives in order to make (Mexico City) a tourist destination.
MÉNDEZ: In response to the protests, the U.S. government asked embassy staff and citizens to avoid the area and requested that they refrain from participating in political protests.
