The Mexican authorities positioned a fragment of the Berlin Wall near the U.S.-Mexico border in Tijuana, symbolizing a strong statement to those advocating for stricter border control in the U.S.
Last month, Tijuana’s Mayor Montserrat Caballero, alongside former Mexican foreign secretary Marcelo Ebrard, inaugurated this segment of the historic wall. An inscription by Caballero near its foundation states, “Let this remind us to cultivate a world that tears down barriers and creates connections.”
This symbolic act is set against the backdrop of the U.S.’s ongoing efforts to fortify its barriers along the vast stretch separating the two countries. It’s noteworthy that the Berlin Wall’s original purpose was to split a country, implemented by a dominant foreign force.
Caballero posed the question, “Why Tijuana? How many families have sacrificed sweat, tears, and even their lives to surpass this barrier?” She further remarked, “The dynamics surrounding this border differ from those of the Berlin Wall, but in essence, it’s still a barrier. And barriers invariably serve as divisive entities that can inflict harm.”
Since taking office, the Biden administration has been grappling with the influx of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border. Reports earlier this year indicated that each month saw hundreds of thousands of undocumented migrants entering the U.S.
Data from U.S. Customs and Border Protection in July highlighted 183,503 migrant interactions. Acting CBP Commissioner Troy Miller commented on the situation, emphasizing the agency’s dedication to enforcing the law, particularly given the misinformation spread by traffickers targeting susceptible people.
Mayor Caballero acknowledged the U.S.’s right to secure its borders but highlighted that the barrier symbolizes “aggression” and the tearing apart of families.
Upon assuming the presidency, Biden put a halt to new border wall constructions through an executive order. Nonetheless, his administration is proceeding with certain projects that had already been in the pipeline.
