Smart Border Coalition

08/28/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for the latest Smart Border Coalition Stakeholder Meeting!

Our program featured an operational update from Mariza Marin, San Ysidro Port Director for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who shared important information regarding current border operations.

We also welcomed Dr. Aaron Ureña from the Baja California Secretariat of Tourism and Dr. Fabian Walters, President of the Baja Health Cluster, for an introduction to the new Baja Health Tourism website and its role in strengthening the region’s medical tourism sector.

Yolanda Parra and Lee Hilgartner from the U.S. Consulate General in Tijuana provided valuable guidance on the U.S. passport application and renewal process, along with special services available to American citizens.

Finally, Valeria Rivera Corona, Co-Founder and Managing Director U.S.A., presented the third edition of the Binational Race San Diego–Tijuana—an exciting event celebrating the connection between our two cities.

We appreciate all our speakers, partners, and stakeholders for helping us advance a safer, more efficient, and better-connected binational region.

08/05/2026

Gracias al equipo de Proyecto 1954 y Whitepaper.mx por la invitación a participar en el episodio:

“La frontera: el motor económico que pocos entienden”

En esta conversación exploramos cómo el comercio, la infraestructura y millones de cruces de personas y mercancías impulsan diariamente el crecimiento y la competitividad de ambos países.

Smart Border Coalition agradece estos espacios que nos permiten cambiar la narrativa y hablar de la frontera no solamente como un reto, sino como una región de oportunidades, colaboración y prosperidad compartida.

Agradecimientos especiales a Karlo Teran, Enrique Perret Erhard, Emilio Cadena y Ana Prestamo Elizondo por la invitación y por una conversación tan interesante.

¡Gracias por ayudarnos a contar la historia completa de nuestra frontera!



https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ep-7-la-frontera-el-motor-económico-que-pocos-entienden/id6783894221?i=1000779957621

Podcast Episode · Proyecto 1954 · August 4 · 56m

07/28/2026

Thank you to La Revista Binacional for the recognition and for highlighting the work being done across our San Diego–Tijuana region.

I’m especially grateful for platforms like this that help bring attention to the people, organizations, and ideas working every day to strengthen binational collaboration and build a smarter, more connected border region.

At the Smart Border Coalition, this is very much a collective effort, and I’m proud to be part of a team and community committed to improving the way our region connects, collaborates, and moves forward.

Thank you, La Revista Binacional, for supporting and sharing that work.

Joaquin Luken is the Executive Director of the Smart Border Coalition, a leading binational organization dedicated to improving the safety, security, and efficiency of cross-border travel and trade between San Diego and Tijuana.

07/16/2026

07/16/2026

A firsthand look at the people, technology, and partnerships that keep our border secure.

This week, the Smart Border Coalition Board had the privilege of visiting the US Border Patrol San Diego Sector for an in-depth look at the people, technology, and operations that help secure one of the world’s busiest international borders.

The visit provided valuable insight into how Border Patrol leverages advanced technology, real-time intelligence, and coordinated operations to fulfill its mission. We also had the opportunity to witness the strong communication and collaboration that takes place on both sides of the border to address shared operational challenges and enhance public safety.

A sincere thank you to Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Vincent Pirro, Patrol Agent in Charge Orlando Romero of the Imperial Beach Station, Agents Luis Sarabia and Alfonso Martinez, and the entire San Diego Sector team for their hospitality, transparency, and informative presentations. We greatly appreciate the time they invested in providing our Board with a deeper understanding of the critical work being carried out every day to protect our communities. Above all, we are grateful for their service, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to keeping our border and communities safe.

The Smart Border Coalition Board is thankful for this unique opportunity and looks forward to continuing to foster informed dialogue and strong partnerships that support a border that is safe, secure, and efficient for our binational region.

05/06/2026

Know Before You Go: Food Items That Can and Cannot Enter the U.S.

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection is working with the Smart Border Coalition to help educate border crossers, supermarkets, and food-related businesses on which products may or may not be brought across the border. Many cross everyday food items that are restricted or prohibited in order to protect agriculture, public health, and the U.S. food supply. Through clear outreach and practical guidance, this effort aims to reduce confusion, avoid costly fines or delays, and make crossings faster and smoother for everyone.

Always declare all food and agricultural items you are bringing with you to help avoid fines or penalties.

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

https://www.linkedin.com/posts/joaquinluken_2026chamberdelegation-calibaja-tijuanasandiego-ugcPost-7456122822025728000-7gxs?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAAFEi8wBNVmhM-wToqe4uS6rC-VyABAcZeM

Great to be in Washington, D.C. this past week with the San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce binational delegation, advancing key priorities for the Cali Baja region. We met with Members of Congress, the Senate, and leadership at the U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Cust...

02/06/2026

Smart Border Coalition welcomed Alan Bersin for a board-level conversation focused on border governance, security, and binational cooperation.

The discussion highlighted insights from his leadership experience at U.S. Customs and Border Protection and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, exploring the evolution of border management, institutional coordination, and the future of smart, secure, and efficient borders.

The exchange reinforced the value of informed dialogue and strategic leadership in shaping policies and practices that strengthen the region and cross-border efficiency.