The New Boquillas

This is an ongoing project I began in 2011 just prior to the border crossing re-opening between Big Bend National Park and Boquillas, Mexico. After September 11, the US Border Patrol closed all unofficial border crossings between the US and Mexico. As a result, the small Mexican village was completely disconnected from Big Bend National Park by a thin sliver of the Rio Grande River. For many years, Boquillas had almost functioned as an exhibit or extension of the park. The relationship served as an economic boost to the remote village while also enabling park visitors to have a quaint 'cultural' experience during their time at Big Bend. It also allowed park rangers to maintain environmental resources on both sides of the river/border. In 2013, the controversial border crossing finally opened reestablishing ties between both places.