Diego de la Vega, a former aide to Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC), has self-deported to Colombia after living in the United States for 23 years without legal status. Born in Ecuador, de la Vega entered the U.S. at the age of seven in 2001 on a visitor’s visa, which he overstayed, leading to his undocumented status.
Professional Background
De la Vega became politically active following the unsuccessful passage of the Dream Act in 2010, which fell just five votes short in the Senate. He began organizing for immigrant rights, initially working as a communications professional in the New York State Assembly and later for Make the Road NY, an immigrant rights organization. In 2021, as a digital organizer for Make the Road, he played a pivotal role in securing a $2.1 billion fund that provided $15,000 relief checks to undocumented workers excluded from federal pandemic aid.
His political journey led him to AOC’s re-election campaign in 2021, where he served as deputy communications director. Ocasio-Cortez praised his contributions, stating, “Diego is amazing. We love him.”
However, this role raised questions about his employment status, as Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients are prohibited from holding paid positions in congressional offices.
Decision to Self-Deport
Facing limited prospects for legal residency and desiring a life without the constant fear associated with undocumented status, de la Vega and his wife, who was also undocumented, chose to relocate to Bogotá, Colombia, in December 2024. He expressed mixed emotions about the move, stating, “It’s bittersweet. I hadn’t left the country in 23 years—from age seven to age thirty. 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.”
Life in Colombia
In Colombia, de la Vega has found a renewed sense of freedom, no longer burdened by the constraints of undocumented life. He remarked, “It feels surreal to not be illegalized anymore. I don’t have … . That freedom of movement is incredibly satisfying.”
Reflections on U.S. Immigration Policy
De la Vega expressed frustration with the stagnation of U.S. immigration reform efforts, particularly during periods when the Democratic Party held significant power. He noted, “Protections are going away, … . Biden had a trifecta—the House, Senate, and White House—but dropped the ball.”
Implications and Reactions
His departure has sparked discussions about the employment practices within congressional offices, especially concerning individuals with undocumented or DACA status. It remains unclear how Ocasio-Cortez … office managed de la Vega’s employment, including matters related to Social Security taxes.
De la Vega’s story highlights the complexities faced by undocumented immigrants in the U.S., particularly those brought as children who have built their lives in the country. His decision to self-deport underscores the challenges within the current immigration system and the personal toll it takes on individuals seeking stability and recognition.
