In a surprising turn of events, Diego de la Vega, a former top aide to Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez, has made headlines by self-deporting from the United States to Colombia.
De la Vega spent 23 years in the U.S. as an undocumented immigrant, building a successful political career, which he eventually chose to leave behind due to dissatisfaction with the immigration movement, Fox News reported.
Born in Ecuador, Diego de la Vega came to the United States at the age of seven on a visitor's visa in 2001, a permit that he overstayed, marking the start of his life as an undocumented immigrant. Despite these challenges, de la Vega became politically active, notably following the Dream Act's failure in 2010, which galvanized his involvement in immigrant rights advocacy. His career path later led him to work as communications director for Robert Rodriguez, then a member of the New York State Assembly.
In 2021, de la Vega joined Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez's re-election campaign, advancing to the role of deputy communications director. However, his employment has drawn scrutiny as it raises questions about DACA recipients' eligibility for paid congressional roles. Despite these developments, his departure to Colombia marks a significant personal and professional shift.
Diego de la Vega expressed mixed emotions upon leaving the country he called home for over two decades. "It’s bittersweet," he said. "I hadn’t left the country in 23 years — from age seven to age 30... Now, I can’t go back to the U.S. It feels like exile. It’s a very permanent move. But my wife and I are confident we made the right decision."
Settling in Colombia, de la Vega finds solace in a newfound sense of freedom. He remarked on the relief of no longer "living in the shadows" or having to constantly manage his legal status, a stark contrast to his long years in the United States.
Diego de la Vega's efforts in the political arena were marked by a commitment to transparency and engagement. He highlighted the straightforward dialogues he maintained with New York City voters, emphasizing honesty and clear communication about legislative processes and obstacles. "We were always honest with voters in New York City," he stated, reflecting on his time working with Rep. Ocasio-Cortez and explaining how they consistently strived to educate the populace.
Despite his achievements, de la Vega has voiced his frustration with the current state of the immigration movement in the United States. He pointed out that "protections are going away" and critiqued what he views as outdated strategies within the movement, particularly during President Biden's administration.
Diego de la Vega's decision to leave the U.S. underscores his broader feelings about political dynamics and the quest for more meaningful reform, noting the missed opportunities for change even under a political majority.
As Diego de la Vega adjusts to his new life, he describes a sense of belonging and freedom in Colombia. Reflecting on his journey, he acknowledged the surreal nature of no longer being subject to illegal status constraints, highlighting the unintended benefits of his departure.
The transition shared some mixed sentiments, echoing a need for the U.S. immigration movement to reconsider its tactics. Diego's experiences also highlight the individual impact of political decisions and the disparate paths undocumented individuals may face.
Diego de la Vega articulated his perspective on the state of U.S. immigration strategy, saying, "Protections are going away, regardless of who is in the White House. The strategy hasn’t adapted to the modern era. Biden had a trifecta — the House, Senate and White House, but dropped the ball."
Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez expressed her appreciation for de la Vega, stating, "Diego is amazing. We love him." However, as he forges a new path in Colombia, de la Vega reflects fondly yet critically on his time in U.S. politics.
Diego de la Vega's journey from undocumented immigrant to a recognized strategist is emblematic of both personal resilience and systemic challenges. His story stands as a powerful narrative of self-determination and the complexities of immigration reform advocacy.
