Date: August 22, 2021.
Location: San Diego / Tijuana Border (a half-acre of the border into the Pacific Ocean).
Border definition: A line separating two political or geographical areas, especially countries.
The definition of the border is too vague. The border is more than a line between two countries. This definition does not reflect the unjust policies for immigrants, the separation of families at the borders, and the death of thousands of people who are trying to look for a better life.
I had the opportunity to attend the 50th anniversary of Friendship Park in San Diego/Tijuana. Friendship Park, located 15 miles south of San Diego, is a half-acre plaza overlooking the Pacific Ocean at the border between San Diego, California and Tijuana, México. This park is a virtual space for the community of both cities, especially for our immigrant communities. The space is an iconic and unique park that provides the opportunity for our communities to see their loved ones on the other side through tiny holes in the border wall.
In the first image, you see the presence of the border fence, the border patrol car, officers, and signs stopping families from getting close to the border to have physical contact with their loved ones. Also, the presence of the border patrol is to enforce and stop any illegal activities such as people crossing the fence when this park was to create community and prevent a militarized zone between these two cities.
Friendship Park has been closed for almost two years for families with cross-border contact with families on the other side of the wall. It is temporarily closed to vehicles. It is open to hiking, biking, and equestrian activities.
I encourage folks to visit Friendship Park / El Parque de la Amistad or go to friendshippark.org to learn more. Also, you will find information on the actions and movements the community is working on to reopen this park for families and friends to reunite with their loved ones through the fence.
Also, I had the opportunity to document this event. If you are interested in seeing the rest of the images I captured, DM me and I will be happy to share the photographs with you all.
