Diego de la Vega’s journey from an Ecuadorian child immigrant to a political aide navigating the complexities of U.S. immigration policy took an unexpected turn with his recent self-deportation to Colombia.
A former aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), de la Vega self-deported to Colombia after years in the U.S. while lacking proper legal status, even when working for the congresswoman, as Fox News reports.
De la Vega's immigration journey began in 2001 when he moved to the U.S. at the age of seven. His family overstayed their visitors' visas, leading to his long undocumented residency. It wasn't until his teenage years, after the Dream Act's failure in 2010, that he became actively involved in political advocacy.
As a politically active individual, de la Vega worked in significant roles to support immigration reform. One of his major achievements was his position as the communications director for then-New York State Assembly member Robert Rodriguez. This role highlighted his dedication to political discourse around immigrant rights and policy effectiveness.
In 2021, de la Vega took on a significant role by joining Ocasio-Cortez's re-election campaign. He was appointed as a deputy communications director, a position that holds strategic importance within any campaign. Despite his passion, he faced legal restrictions as DACA recipients are not permitted to hold paid positions in congressional offices.
De la Vega's transition to Colombia marks an end to his significant involvement in U.S. politics. Upon his self-deportation, he reflected on his experiences, sharing insights with Migrant Insider. He described his situation as both “bittersweet” and pointed out the difficulty of leaving the U.S. after 23 years, albeit with an undercurrent of optimism for the future.
Describing his new chapter, de la Vega expressed relief in no longer living "in the shadows" and the satisfaction of having freedom of movement without the constant concern about legal paperwork. His move comes during an era where many find themselves disillusioned with the state of immigration reform.
Despite the challenges and eventual departure, de la Vega left a positive impression on Representative Ocasio-Cortez. She commended his capabilities and contributions to her team, emphasizing their proactive approach in engaging with New York City voters.
While in his role, de la Vega remained committed to maintaining transparency with constituents. He spoke of his team's efforts to address voters' concerns frankly, indicating that they avoided simplistic answers and instead tackled the complexities of legislative barriers.
His reflections highlighted a distinct sense of fulfillment from being “home,” despite the possibility of his inability to return to the U.S. for "many years." For de la Vega, this move represents a closure of sorts, balancing between loss and newfound autonomy.
Reflecting on his journey, de la Vega shared his disillusionment with the current state of immigration advocacy in the U.S. He expressed frustration over a lack of significant progress, suggesting that political strategies have failed to modernize effectively, even with Democratic control of the House, Senate, and presidency.
His criticism particularly pointed to what he considered missed opportunities for reform. He noted that despite past political alignments seemingly in favor of change, tangible progress on immigration issues has lagged, leading to his broader skepticism about future prospects.
De la Vega's departure underscores a significant moment in his lifelong relationship with the United States. Now in Colombia, he and his wife are optimistic about what lies ahead, seeking a life unburdened by the restrictions they once faced. As this self-imposed exile unfolds, they say they are determined to build a fulfilling future in an environment that offers them security and freedom.
