Trans-Border Institute


The Trans-Border Institute was founded in 1994 at the University of San Diego to promote scholarship, studies, research, and activities related to Mexico and the United States-Mexico border, and to encourage an active role for the University in the cross-border community. It is a part of the
TBI promotes sustainable peace in Mexico and the border region, through applied research, innovative pedagogy, and cross-border partnerships. For twenty years, TBI has been a leading source of information and outreach on pressing border issues and the broader relationship between Mexico and the United States. TBI has published widely cited survey data and reports on police reform, arms trafficking, and immigration enforcement.

Activities and projects

TBI has a number of research, teaching, and peacebuilding programs both in the border region and beyond:
Each year TBI also sponsors conferences, speakers and other events to bring attention to key border issues and US-Mexico relations. These events are open to the general public.