Diego de la Vega, a former aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, recently made headlines by self-deporting to Colombia, celebrating the “freedom of movement” he found in the South American country after working in Congress despite his undocumented status. Born in Ecuador, de la Vega immigrated to the United States at the age of seven on a visitor’s visa in 2001, which he overstayed, according to Migrant Insider.
The decision to leave the U.S. after 23 years sparked mixed emotions for de la Vega, who described it as both bittersweet and liberating. “It feels like exile. It’s a very permanent move,” he confessed to Migrant Insider. “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.”
Reflecting on his past, de la Vega recalled the sense of relief that came from shedding the label of being “illegal.” “It feels surreal to not be illegalized anymore. I don’t have to live in the shadows or constantly worry about paperwork,” he shared. “That freedom of movement is incredibly satisfying.”
Political Journey and Advocacy
De la Vega’s political journey began after the disappointment of the failed Dream Act in 2010, which fell just five votes short in the Senate. Following his work with an immigrant rights group, he served as the communications director for Robert Rodriguez, a former member of the New York State Assembly. Later, de la Vega joined Ocasio-Cortez’s re-election campaign in 2021 and eventually rose to the position of deputy communications director.
Ocasio-Cortez commended de la Vega’s contributions, praising his dedication and talent. Despite being ineligible for a paid position due to his undocumented status, de la Vega worked tirelessly for the congresswoman, earning her admiration and respect. “Diego is amazing,” Ocasio-Cortez remarked. “We love him.”
Challenges and Frustrations
However, de la Vega’s journey was not without its challenges and frustrations. He expressed disappointment with the trajectory of the immigration movement, noting that protections seemed to be diminishing regardless of the political landscape. “The strategy hasn’t adapted to the modern era,” he lamented. “Biden had a trifecta—the House, Senate, and White House, but dropped the ball.”
Despite the obstacles he faced, de la Vega maintained a sense of resilience and gratitude for the opportunities he had in the U.S. as a child. While he acknowledged that his return to the country may be uncertain for many years, he found solace in the fulfillment of being back in Colombia, a place he could now call “home.”
As de la Vega’s story continues to unfold, his experiences serve as a poignant reminder of the complexities surrounding immigration, advocacy, and the pursuit of a better life. His journey reflects the enduring human spirit and the quest for freedom and belonging that transcends borders and boundaries.
