Diego de la Vega, a former aide to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, chose to self-deport to Colombia after spending many years living undocumented in the United States since childhood.
According to Fox News, Diego de la Vega, born in Ecuador and formerly undocumented, self-deported to Colombia citing freedom from legal fears as his main reason.
De la Vega arrived in the U.S. in 2001 at the age of seven on a visitor’s visa and never left. His involvement in politics began after the Dream Act failed in 2010, highlighting his commitment to immigrant rights from a young age.
Before his tenure in Ocasio-Cortez's office, de la Vega was the communications director for Robert Rodriguez, a former member of the New York State Assembly.
In 2021, he joined Ocasio-Cortez's team, initially for her re-election campaign and subsequently as her deputy communications director.
The move to self-deport was prompted not only by personal circumstances but also by ongoing political frustrations. "It feels surreal to not be illegalized anymore. I don’t have to live in the shadows or constantly worry about paperwork. That freedom of movement is incredibly satisfying," stated Diego de la Vega.
De la Vega’s decision highlights the complex interplay between personal freedom and the anomalies of immigration laws. He pointed out the ineffectiveness of current strategies concerning immigration reform across various U.S. administrations.
"Protections are going away, regardless of who is in the White House," Diego de la Vega explained. He criticized the Biden administration for not taking advantage of its control over the House, Senate, and White House to enact significant immigration policy changes.
Diego de la Vega and his wife now reside in Colombia, a decision that brings significant emotional weight. "It’s bittersweet. 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. And, after some time, it’s been a real pleasure to be here," he shared.
Representative Ocasio-Cortez praised de la Vega's contributions, describing him as "amazing" and affirming strong affection and respect for him within her team.
On campaign integrity and honesty toward voters, de la Vega emphasized the straightforward approach they maintained. "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," he said.
His experience serves as a sharp reminder of the precariousness inherent in the lives of many immigrants in the U.S. Living without legal status meant constant anxiety over deportation or detention, a reality now left behind but exchanged for the inability to return freely to the U.S.
Diego de la Vega, now far from the political battlegrounds of the U.S., regards his new life in Colombia with complex emotions but appreciates the tangible feeling of belonging without fear.
His story underscores the ongoing debates around immigration policy and reform, serving both as a personal narrative of liberation and a pointed critique of political failure.
