Muralist's family home seized in Mexico City; granddaughter denounces 'mafia'

Adriana González Camarena, granddaughter of the celebrated Mexican muralist José González Camarena, is fighting to reclaim her family's ancestral home in Mexico City's Del Valle neighborhood. The property, which has belonged to the family for over a century, was allegedly seized illegally.

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It is my grandfather's house, the family home for more than 100 years. My aunt, the muralist's daughter, lived there.

González Camarena discovered the situation by chance, spotting strangers inside the house while walking her dog. She observed them using keys to enter the property, which she stated was neither for sale nor rent. Her concern escalated when the building's doorman warned her to be careful, indicating she had been identified and was being watched.

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Be careful, Adrianita, they have located you, they saw you recorded them.

She described a rapid and unsettling transformation of the house. Within three weeks, new utilities like a power meter were installed, along with new windows, doors, and lighting. Construction materials and workers were seen, and people began living in the house. This swift activity, González Camarena believes, points to a well-resourced and dangerous organization operating in the area.

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There is something that cannot be hidden and that is power and money.

The situation is compounded by personal tragedy. González Camarena was on her way to file a police report when her father passed away. Her aunt, who resided in the house, has also fallen seriously ill with heart problems. Facing these immense personal losses, she feels isolated in her struggle against what she suspects is a powerful land-grabbing mafia.

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The house was never for sale or rent. It is our family's heritage. My aunt was in possession of the property and we never thought of selling it. What they did was take the property illegally.