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Beyond Barriers: Refugee Lives in San Diego

Imani Drew

Families unite at Friendship Park at the U.S.-Mexico border located between San Diego and Tijuana as a result of a physical barrier and increased militarization at the border.

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Beyond Barriers: Refugee Lives in San Diego

"May there never be a wall between these two great nations, only friendship." - Pat Nixon


Origins of Friendship Park

The creation of Friendship Park can be traced back to the aftermath of the Mexican- American War, which established the physical international boundary between the U.S. and Mexico with a barbed wire fence stretching towards the Pacific coastline. Located in San Diego, the park was officially opened to the public in 1971. Former First Lady Pat Nixon commemorated Friendship Park, highlighting its significance in fostering strong relationships between the two countries. In its early years, there was no physical barrier restricting movement between the U.S. and Mexico. However, over time, increased security measures have been implemented due to the militarization of the U.S.-Mexico border.

Friendship Park opened up opportunities for family members to interact with their relatives on the other side of the border, allowing them to reunite for short periods without fearing deportation due to various immigration policies. The primary impediment to family reunification was their immigration status. In 2009, a second border fence was added, requiring individuals on the U.S. side to enter an enclosed space. By 2011, physical interactions were limited to pinky touches. Over time, it became increasingly difficult for individuals to visit Friendship Park to see their relatives, as Border Patrol restricted visits to certain hours. Despite these challenges, Friendship Park in Tijuana remains lively. Unfortunately, these changes have undermined the original purpose of Friendship Park, as Pat Nixon had opposed the creation of a fence altogether.

Friendship Park Today

Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, Friendship Park has been closed since February 2020 and has not been operating at reduced capacity. Since then, Border Patrol has limited visits to strict hours between 10 AM and 2 PM on weekends on the American side, and physical contact is not permitted. Not long before its closure, Border Patrol also imposed additional restrictions. However, the park on the Mexican side remains open 24 hours every day, which is in stark contrast to the U.S. side. During these visits, individuals are limited to 30 minutes and are closely monitored by Border Patrol agents to ensure brief communication. This was not the case when Friendship Park was first founded. This ties into the lives of refugees in San Diego, as the park is perceived as a symbol of hope for their ongoing struggles and resilience.


In June 2024, Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-52) highlighted discrepancies within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), requesting a detailed timeline for the reopening of Friendship Park, which was initially supposed to open in January 2023. Because the agency has not been held accountable for its false promises, Congress has intervened, hoping for change so that family members can reconnect while their immigration cases are pending. Friendship Park demonstrates the multifaceted lives of refugees in the San Diego region, as it fostered cultural exchanges in the U.S.-Mexico border, helping refugees maintain their cultural roots and traditions despite being unable to travel between both countries. Since the operations of Friendship Park have been severely limited over time, community leaders and organizations have advocated for the park to be reestablished as a public area. The physical barrier of the U.S.-Mexico border symbolizes the hardships refugees have experienced while also proving how resilient these individuals have become, coming together in solidarity.


Community Relations at Friendship Park


Binational Friendship Garden

Although Friendship Park has become more stringent over the years, individuals have come together through the Binational Friendship Garden, founded in 2007 by Dan Watman, a former UC San Diego instructor. The garden spans from San Diego to Tijuana, Mexico, and community members and refugees have played a crucial role in nurturing it. Sadly, Border Patrol dismantled the garden on the U.S. side in 2020, but it continues to flourish in Playas de Tijuana. This incident did not deter the community from continuing their advocacy; instead, it marked a turning point, sparking resilience and perseverance. More individuals decided to come forward and contribute to the garden's restoration efforts.


The Border Church / La Iglesia Fronteriza

In addition to the binational garden, weekly church services are often held at Friendship Park, allowing immigrants and asylum seekers in San Diego to worship together with their family members in Mexico. Although the Border Church is a Christian ministry, it has partnered with Muslim community members in San Diego, creating an inclusive environment that advocates for human justice despite the division at the border. The overall message of the Border Church is that God is impartial and that immigration status does not define a person's worth or values. Refugees in San Diego, including those held at the Otay Mesa Detention Center, have been able to view church services at Friendship Park virtually, highlighting how individuals can experience a sense of community and connection through their faith.


Works Cited


Bilson, Hattie. “Friendship Park: The Eroding Promise of Binational Community at the

U.S.–Mexico Border.” Columbia Political Review, 4 February 2024, https://www.cpreview.org/articles/2024/2/friendship-park-the-eroding-promise-of- binational-community-at-the-usmexico-border. Accessed 7 December 2024.


“BINATIONAL COMMUNION CELEBRATION / CELEBRACIÓN BINACIONAL de la COMUNIÓN.” The

Border Church / La Iglesia Fronteriza, https://www.friendshippark.org/borderchurch. Accessed 7 December 2024.


“Democrats call out Biden administration, condemn border wall being built in Friendship Park.”

Office of Congressman Juan Vargas, 17 March 2023, https://vargas.house.gov/news/in-the-news/democrats-call-out-biden-administration- condemn-border-wall-being-built-in-friendship-park. Accessed 7 December 2024.


Drehsler, Ariana. “One Sunday in Friendship Park.” San Diego Magazine, 5 February 2020,


“Friendship Park on US Side Closed Until Further Notice.” NBC San Diego, 15 May 2021,


“Jardin de Amistad: Garden History.” Friends of Friendship Park,


Lee, Esther Yu Hsi, and Jack Jenkins. “The Most Heartbreaking Place In America Is Called

‘Friendship Park.’” THINKPROGRESS, 13 November 2014, https://archive.thinkprogress.org/the-most-heartbreaking-place-in-america-is-called- friendship-park-ed0effeaac3a/. Accessed 7 December 2024.


“A Prayer Beyond Borders.” Friends of Friendship Park: Baja-Alta California, 6 October 2019,


“The Present, Past, and Future of Friendship Park.” Discover Baja Travel Club,


Raffa, Allie. “Friendship Park At US-Mexico Border Marks 50 Years Since Opening.” NBC San

Diego, 18 August 2021, https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/local/friendship-park-at- us-mexico-border-marks-50-years-since-opening/2696820/. Accessed 7 December 2024.

 
 

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