"We have nothing to do with that," says a local waitress, a day after a protest against gentrification and the growing presence of US citizens in Mexico City spiraled out of control. What began as a peaceful march turned violent, with some protesters vandalizing businesses and shouting "Gringos out!" Hundreds took to the streets to denounce the rising cost of living and displacement linked to foreign arrivals, particularly in trendy neighborhoods of the capital. The demonstration escalated when masked individuals smashed windows, overturned furniture, and looted a clothing store. IMAGES AND SOUNDBITES