When the Berlin Wall was crumbing down, the United States was using everything in its arsenal to control the U.S./Mexico border from the exodus of our people. From passing Draconian laws to supplying INS agents with military equipment. Crossing the border illegally was equivalent of entering hostile territory.

While their Diaspora to America was is search of a better life for themselves and their families.

Frontline cities like Tijuana and Juarez took on a personality all their own. They create an intricate world that is still Mexican, but is influence by it neighbors to the north. Even though the relationship between these border towns are different. They both reminded me of the oldie, “It’s a Thin Line Between Love and Hate.” It’s a relationship based more on necessity.

Last year I had the opportunity to visit both the El Paso/Juarez and the Tijuana/San Diego area. I headed down to Mexico to lose myself among my people. It helps me find my roots. Our history is evident throughout the cities and its people, architecture, and monuments. It’s like visiting a time line in real time. The experience was an epiphany, traveling changed the way I viewed myself.

Unfortunately my visit to El Paso and Cuidad Juarez was met with violent thunderstorms. I didn’t get the opportunity to take as many photos as I would have liked. I would like to share with you the photos I did manage to take…

Story and photos by Sal Rojas

La Cocina    Rosarito Beach, Mexico