Marines install razor wire at border park, further restricting access
Share and Follow

SAN DIEGO (Border Report) — U.S. Marines deployed to the San Diego region since late January have been installing razor wire along the border barrier as a deterrent to keep migrants from hopping over the wall.

This week, they worked in an area known as Friendship Park, which lies on a bluff above the Pacific Ocean.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this was a popular gathering spot for families and friends from both countries to interact with the border wall between them.

Public access has yet to return, and now with the razor wire on the barrier, it’s unlikely it will happen while President Donald Trump is in office, said Dan Watman, who is part of a binational group known as Friends of Friendship Park.

United States Marine Corps troops patrol, weld and install concertina wire along the US-Mexico Tijuana-San Diego beach border area as seen from Playas de Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, as the Defense Department deployed active-duty troops to the border to work alongside the US border patrol and enforce the border wall on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Photo by Carlos Moreno/Anadolu via Getty Images)

“It’s just sending that message of division and separation,” Watman said. “We strongly believe this can’t last, it’s based on such a false narrative.”

The installation of the razor wire, added Watman, “represents an abandonment of prior commitments made by U.S. federal officials.”

He says back in December, acting U.S. Customs and Border Protection Commissioner Troy Miller pledged, in writing, to resume regular public access to the federal land at Friendship Park — and allow the cross-border Friendship Garden to be replanted.

United States Marine Corps troops patrol, weld and install concertina wire along the US-Mexico Tijuana-San Diego beach border area as seen from Playas de Tijuana, Baja California, Mexico, as the Defense Department deployed active-duty troops to the border to work alongside the US border patrol and enforce the border wall on Tuesday, March 25, 2025. (Photo by Carlos Moreno/Anadolu via Getty Images)

In July 2023, the San Diego-Union Tribune reported that Border Patrol officials had said the agency “remains committed to restoring the Bi-national Garden located within Friendship Park following the completion of construction activities,” referring to replacement of border wall along the park.

The Department of Homeland Security and the Border Patrol have said the new walls are needed to replace existing barriers that were falling apart and becoming a danger to the public, migrants and the agents who patrol the area.

The Border Patrol had also indicated that it would allow public access to the area once the construction work was done.

“We had plans and they were approved, but they put the wire right in the middle of where the garden was supposed to go.”

Watman believes the concertina wire is dangerous to people on the south side of the barrier where public gatherings and community celebrations take place, especially on weekends.

“I was talking to the Marine in charge of the operation when they were putting this in and he said to me, ‘I’m worried, these razor wires ride up against the wall and some little kid that doesn’t know could easily cut themselves on it.'”

Since taking office, Trump has deployed thousands of active duty military personnel and other resources to the southern border as a way to keep drugs and migrants out of the U.S.

Mexico has also sent members of its National Guard to the border to keep migrants from attempting to cross into the U.S.

Watman believes most people in the San Diego-Tijuana region see all military intervention as unwarranted and “overkill.”

“We need to be connected across cultural barriers and across borders, and if we do that we’ll be more secure, so this is really going in the complete opposite direction,” he said.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Top Russia Navy commander killed in region bordering Ukraine

Top Russia Navy commander killed in region bordering Ukraine

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A top Russian Navy…
15-year-old bicyclist killed in unincorporated Crystal Lake hit-and-run crash: McHenry County Sheriff's Office

Bicyclist, 15, fatally hit in hit-and-run accident in Crystal Lake: Update from McHenry County Sheriff’s Office

McHENRY COUNTY, Ill. (WLS) — A 15-year-old bicyclist was killed in a…
Five 'futuristic' new toilets debut at NYC parks, costing city $1M a pop: 'A little steep'

New York City Parks Introduce Five Innovative Toilets, Each Costing $1 Million: Some Consider the Price High

They’re flushing millions down the toilets. The city decided to invest million…
Good Samaritan rescues 9-year-old kidnapped along Jacksonville road, police say

Kind-hearted individual saves 9-year-old kidnapped on Jacksonville road, according to police

Police said 22-year-old Mikaya Williams pulled the child into her car after…
'Love Island USA' star Cierra Ortega's past slurs resurface

Cierra Ortega from ‘Love Island USA’ faces backlash over past offensive remarks

“Love Island USA” star Cierra Ortega used an Asian slur on Instagram…
Delta plane wing flap lands in homeowner's driveway

Delta plane wing flap lands in homeowner’s driveway

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! A Delta Air Lines…
How Trump’s megabill will impact health care 

The Impact of Trump’s Megabill on Health Care

The massive tax cut legislation passed by the House and Senate this…
In-flight act by Southwest flyer leaves seatmate stunned

Southwest passenger’s surprising behavior shocks seatmate

He did what? Passengers on flights do bizarre things all the time…