Border fence construction saddens families

TIJUANA, Mexico, May 11 (UPI) -- Many Mexican Americans said they are disappointed a section of the U.S.-Mexico border fence used by families to visit relatives will soon be fortified.

A section of the border in the Pacific coast city of Tijuana has been a place of celebration for families who travel there on holidays to spend time with relatives on the other side of the rusted 10-foot-high fence, The Washington Post reported Sunday.

This part of the border provides loved ones with a small area for gatherings and an opening in the fence big enough to touch hands or exchange food, the newspaper said. The safe haven may soon come to and end though, as officials have said they plan to strengthen the fence.

Officials said the fence is being strengthened to cut down on violent drug disputes that have recently riddled the border.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International