While we read the headlines and hear the news stories, what happens to someone when they get deported from the United States and are sent to Mexico, a country that many deportees don’t know or speak the language?

What threats do they face when they walk into Tijuana, Mexico? Where can they go and who can they turn to for help? What unknown threats do they now face?

And, more importantly, who are these deportees and what is their life like after being deported and, in many cases, separated from children, spouses and other family members left behind?

This semester the Spring 2018 JOVRNALISM course, in partnership with KCRW and Al Otro Lado, are exploring these questions as they use 360/immersive technology to capture and present the stories of those deported and those left behind.

During Spring Break students, accompanied by Prof. Robert Hernandez, went down to Tijuana to meet and interview the deportees, their families and those who are trying to help them cope with a new life.

We also met with the community – both in the US and in Mexico – that are desperately trying to help deportees adjust to their new reality, rather than plunge into depression, drugs or suicide.

We have tons of footage and are now in post-production. We are aiming to publish the immersive stories soon through our mobile app and other platforms.

Please return to this site to find out the latest about this project, which continues to be national news.

// 360-video clip: US/Mexico Border

There are two sides to the border and both are very different. Located just 15 miles south of San Diego is the International Friendship Park, a half-acre binational park located along the United States-Mexico border. Get a sense of the two sides of the border through this immersive, 360 video produced by JOVRNALISM.

// Team photo
Taken prior to headed to Tijuana, Mexico, here are the team of students and partners collaborating on this semester’s project.

// Behind-the-scene photo