By Thomas Hughes, Esq
Thomas Hughes, Esq
Last weekend I traveled to Tijuana, Mexico with a friend, Matt, from college.
Before leaving, all I heard from everyone, literally EVERYONE, is that you should not go. I was berated by comments and questions like – If you go, be safe and don’t die. Don’t get kidnapped. Don’t get mugged. Are you serious? Why would you want to risk your life like that? Thomas, please think of your dog.
With these sentiments, I started to think maybe I should not go. Maybe this is a very, very bad decision. The fear from others infected my own thoughts. I grew nervous and doubted myself and my beliefs about traveling.
However, as I have learned to do, I decided to focus my energy on where this fear was originating. Why are people so alarmed and scared to go 30 minutes away from where they currently are now? Was the media creating this situation? Were people actually witnessing horrible things first-hand? Was Tijuana really that changed since the last time I was down there? Did traveling to Tijuana mean I was going to die?
Even though I was overwhelmed by people’s concern and preoccupied by my own inner doubts and fears, I moved forward. I chose actions that allowed me to travel even though all the signs pointed elsewhere. I did this because I do not share in the belief that you should let fear dictate your decisions in life. In fact, I try constantly to do things in the face of that fear.
Thus, when the U.S. government announced a new security tourism travel alert for United States citizens traveling to Mexico the day before we left, I still moved forward. Even though CNN continued to show coverage of people being shot and killed in Juarez, I still moved forward. Even when my own friends and family cautioned me, voicing their concern for my safety and life, I still moved forward.
I never have been confronted with so much fear coming from other people. With such fear, the experience was sure to be worth it.
While in Tijuana, I could not believe how much had actually changed for the people living there. Taking the trolley down, crossing the border on foot, Matt and I were literally the ONLY Americans crossing the border at 8 p.m. on a Saturday.
Taxi drivers were hardly present, and the few that remained swarmed us to get our business. No street vendors were open. No kids were asking us for money in exchange for some knick-knacks.
While noting the changes, we took a taxi to our restaurant in the Zona Rio, enjoyed a nice dinner, and then hit the gay bars. At the bars, we discovered another change; the gay clubs now close at 2 a.m. I asked a boy I met there why the bars close so early now. His only comment, speaking in perfect English, was that the bars are trying to project an image like American bars, of being safe.
After an amazing time at the club, the streets were as empty as they were when we first arrived. There were no open taco shops. There were no people approaching me with items to purchase. There was absolutely no night life.
Heading back home, we crossed the border with only three other people. THREE PEOPLE!
While crossing the border, I asked the border agent how long the situation had been like this, not having been to Tijuana myself for a few years. He said for the last 2 to 3 years. I asked, why? After all, we always had such a good time.
He responded simply that it was no longer safe for Americans.
To this commentary, Matt responded, “You have got to be kidding me. You really believe it is any safer in San Diego than it is in Tijuana?”
Responding with arrogance, the border agent said, and I quote, “It is unsafe because of people like you who are ignorant enough to come down here and get yourself into trouble. I have seen people’s heads dipped in acid. It isn’t safe kid.”
I couldn’t believe this statement. So I asked him, “You have literally seen with your own eyes a person’s head dipped into acid?”
He never answered my question, and told me in a loud voice to “Get out of the line of fire” – even though my friend and I were the only people at the crossing.
I looked over at my friend, and we both starting laughing hysterically. This was ridiculous! I never have seen fear control an environment as much as it has right across our border.
Although I typically write articles legally related, I think this situation calls for some much needed attention and re-examination.
We as citizens, as humans, and neighbors to Mexico MUST evaluate what we are doing here that is affecting our neighbors across the border. Tourism is practically dead in Tijuana, Mexico. Dance clubs no longer have the same atmosphere and excitement. Merchandise is no longer readily available. The economy is noticeably damaged and broken.
Why continue to foster such animosity and fear toward Mexico? Is Tijuana any less safe than San Diego? If you honestly answer yes to this question, I really question how you reached that conclusion. Are you kidding yourself?
I can say first-hand as a criminal defense attorney and as a former prosecutor for three years, that Tijuana is NO less safe than San Diego or anywhere in California for that matter. I have seen things that are unimaginable right here in San Diego. To think otherwise is being fed misinformation and letting fear reign over your life.
I request we stop the insanity and fear-mongering.
From fear we create hatred. From fear we limit what is possible. From fear we destroy relationships. From fear we limit our ability to pursue activities that excite us in life.
Tijuana, I had a great time. Matt, I had an amazing time! Go travel I say. Start this weekend, it is suppose to be sunny and clear!
Thomas Hughes, Esq. was born and raised in San Diego, and got his Law Degree at Whitter Law School in Orange County, Ca. After three years prosecuting as a Riverside County deptuty District Attorney, Hughes returned to San Diego to start his own criminal defense firm. He has law offices in San Diego and Temecula, and also works as a technical advisor to CSI Los Angeles.
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