Gina Silva

News Reporter/ Photographer

gsilva.visura.co

Friendship Park

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Location: Los Angeles

Nationality: Mexican American

Biography: Everyone has a story to tell and I've always been interested in hearing it. It's the reason why I became a journalist and why I love photography. My job allows me to meet people from all walks of life. I get to share with viewers the good... MORE

79 year old Martha Ochoa on the...arlos and granddaughter Briana.

79 year old Martha Ochoa on the Mexican side of the border waiting to see her son Carlos and granddaughter Briana.

Briana Morales chats with her g...y location they meet in person.

Briana Morales chats with her grandmother Martha. Briana lives in San Diego with her father. He is in the process of becoming legalized in the US and cannot leave the country. Grandma does not have a visa to enter the country. Friendship Park is the only location they meet in person.

Briana and her father Carlos. &...y location they meet in person.

Briana and her father Carlos. He is in the process of becoming legalized in the US and cannot leave the country. His mother does not have a visa to enter the country. Friendship Park is the only location they meet in person.

79 year old Martha Ochoa says s...through a double meshed fence.

79 year old Martha Ochoa says she longs for a kiss and hug from her son and granddaughter but she’ll settle for this: the tips of their fingers touching through a double meshed fence.

Human touch through a fence at the US/Mexico border.

There is  small sectio...they are not allowed to touch.

There is small section of the fence where families can see each other better. But here, they are not allowed to touch.

There is a   small sec... several feet apart.

There is a small section of the fence where families can see each other better. But here, they are not allowed to touch. They have to stand several feet apart.

Friendly Park.

Multiple cameras and sensors pointed at the border entrance.

Border Patrol agent Rocha speaking with visitors in Tijuana.

Mexican woman looking for famil...s on the US side of the fence.

Mexican woman looking for family members on the US side of the fence.

Border Patrol Agent Bush smilin... with people in Tijuana Mexico.

Border Patrol Agent Bush smiling and chatting with people in Tijuana Mexico.

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Friendship Park

Copyright Gina Silva 2024

Date of Work Apr 2024 - Apr 2024

Updated Aug 2018

Topics Documentary, Immigration, Photography, Photojournalism

Under the watchful eye of U.S. Border Patrol Agents, familieson both sides of the border are allowed to visit at Friendship Park located at the San Diego/Tijuana Border. Friendship Park was established in 1971. At the time, the fence was just a few strings of barbed wire. First Lady Pat Nixon said during the inauguration, “I hope there won’t be a fence here too long.” Back then, families could see each other and hug. Forty Seven years later, there’s a double meshed fence separating loved ones at the border.

Gina Silva

Apr 20, 2024 - Ongoing

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