Diego de la Vega's journey from an undocumented immigrant to a political insider has taken a new turn with his self-deportation to Colombia.
According to the New York Post, Diego de la Vega, previously an aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and an undocumented migrant, has self-deported to Colombia, pointing to the significant enjoyment derived from the country’s freedom of movement compared to his past struggles in the U.S.
Diego de la Vega was brought to the United States from Ecuador when he was just seven years old, using a visitor's visa that he later overstayed.
His political activism ignited following the Dream Act's collapse in 2010, pushing him towards roles that advocated for immigrant rights and political engagement.
His career took a notable path as he worked as a communications director for Robert Rodriguez, a member of the New York State Assembly, before transitioning to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign team. In 2021, despite the restrictions that hinder DACA recipients like himself from paid congressional roles, de la Vega became a deputy communications director for Ocasio-Cortez.
Diego de la Vega’s decision to leave the U.S. was marked by both a reflective sadness and a forward-looking optimism. His illegal status had cast a long shadow over his two decades in the country, culminating in a permanent move to Colombia with his wife, where he has embraced a new sense of freedom.
It’s bittersweet. I hadn’t left the country in 23 years — from age seven to age 30,” Diego de la Vega told Migrant Insider. "Now, I can’t go back to the US. It feels like exile. It’s a very permanent move. But my wife and I are confident we made the right decision. And, after some time, it’s been a real pleasure to be here."
His departure raises questions regarding his prior employment with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez, given the regulations against DACA recipients holding paid federal positions. These roles often require clear legal status, highlighting an important discrepancy in his employment history.
De la Vega's revelations about "no longer being an illegal immigrant" underscore his relief and newfound happiness in Colombia. The simple pleasure of "freedom of movement" has, according to him, profoundly improved his quality of life.
Reflecting on his advocacy work, de la Vega expressed pride in the honest engagement strategies they pursued with New York’s electorate. This sentiment was echoed by Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who praised de la Vega’s contributions to her team and to wider advocacy efforts.
"Diego is amazing. We love him. We were always honest with voters in New York City. We didn’t dumb it down or tell them what they wanted to hear. We engaged with them honestly. We listened, then explained that Alexandria was fighting for reform, but Republicans were blocking it."
De la Vega also critically addressed the broader inefficiencies in the U.S. immigration system, pointing out missed opportunities even when Democrats controlled the major branches of government. His comments reflect a broader disappointment within immigrant communities at the pace and focus of reform efforts.
In conclusion, Diego de la Vega's self-deportation is not only a personal step toward freedom but also casts light on the complicated nexus of immigration, legality, and politics in the U.S.
His story is a profound commentary on the challenges faced by undocumented immigrants who seek to change the system from within. As he adjusts to life in Colombia, the implications of his departure continue to resonate with many still navigating similar paths in the United States.
