Eager to meet Adriana and her son, Diego, I decided to fly to San Diego a few days earlier than planned. My destination was Embajadores de Jesus, a migrant camp situated in the heart of Scorpion’s Canyon, a neighborhood plagued by poverty just 10 kilometers from the Tijuana San Ysidro border. The site’s lack of paved roads and scattered garbage painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by those seeking refuge in this humble sanctuary.
Originally established as a church in 2009 by Pastor Gustavo Banda Aceves, Embajadores de Jesus transformed into a shelter for migrants in 2016. However, the pandemic-era Title 42 had closed the doors to asylum seekers in the United States, leaving many migrants stranded in this camp for extended periods. At times, the camp housed up to 1,500 individuals, each with their own story and hopes for a better future.
As I explored the camp, it became apparent that basic amenities were scarce. The limited number of showers and toilets highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by the migrants. Yet, despite these challenges, the generosity of UCSD and other donors had breathed new life into this haven. With their support, the migrants had constructed new housing and even managed to build a basketball court, a symbol of resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Three basic meals a day. were provided. The aroma of frijoles, rice, and vegetables wafted through the air, providing sustenance and strength to those who called this camp their temporary home. Through my broken Spanish, I had the opportunity to converse with migrants from Mexico, Honduras, Venezuela, and Haiti. Many of them hailed from the states of Michoacán and Guerrero in Mexico, regions plagued by violence and the presence of organized crime. Their lives had been threatened, forcing them to embark on this arduous journey in search of safety and freedom.
It was evident that the path to asylum was not an easy one. Only a fortunate few had managed to secure appointments on the CBP app at seven ports of entry in California, Arizona and Texas. The majority of migrants languished in limbo, waking up each morning with renewed determination to secure an appointment, only to be met with disappointment due to glitches and limited daily openings on the app.
Amidst the struggles and resilience, a moment of joy awaited me at Little Haiti. I stumbled upon a lively puppet show, sponsored by UNICEF, where the laughter of children echoed through the air. Their carefree spirits transcended language and circumstance, weaving a tapestry of hope and joy that filled the canyon’s walls.
With anticipation building, I made my way to the hostel in Little Haiti, where Adriana and Diego awaited our long-awaited meeting. After what felt like an eternity, we finally embraced, our hearts united in a shared determination to embark on a journey that would liberate them from the confines of this migrant camp.
Leaving behind the sanctuary of Embajadores de Jesus, we set off towards the Tijuana airport—the final stepping stone on their path to freedom. There, amidst the bustling flurry of departures and arrivals, they would catch their flight to Juarez, Mexico, where a new chapter filled with hope and possibilities awaited them. Together, fortified by compassion and resilience, we ventured forth, ready to contribute to the extraordinary tapestry of the human spirit.
As we walked away from Embajadores de Jesus, I couldn’t help but be awestruck by the boundless potential of humanity. It was a shimmering testament to the strength found in the collective embrace of compassion and hope, a reminder that even in the face of adversity, there is always room for
