An aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY), Diego de la Vega, has self-deported to Colombia after living in the U.S. illegally for years. De la Vega, who overstayed his visa after arriving in the U.S. as a child, left the country in December following President Donald Trump’s election and his administration’s renewed focus on deporting illegal immigrants.
Despite his illegal status, de la Vega worked for Ocasio-Cortez, though he was barred from employment in Congress. On Wednesday, Ocasio-Cortez praised her former aide, stating, “We love him.” De la Vega has since settled in Bogotá, where he reunited with his wife, another illegal immigrant who had been in the U.S.
In an interview with Migrant Insider, de la Vega claimed he was “illegalized” in the U.S. and now enjoys “freedom of movement” in Colombia. He admitted to living in fear of deportation and suggested he may attempt to return to the U.S. in the distant future. “I had a pretty good childhood in New York,” he recalled.
The Trump administration has implemented strict border security measures, leading to a significant drop in illegal border crossings. Meanwhile, Border Czar Tom Homan has called out Ocasio-Cortez’s office for distributing materials instructing illegal immigrants on how to evade deportation.
De la Vega’s case highlights the ongoing political battle over immigration policy, as the Trump administration continues to prioritize enforcement while progressive lawmakers push back against deportation efforts.
De la Vega’s departure raises questions about how he was able to work for Ocasio-Cortez despite his illegal status. While he was barred from official congressional employment, his role as an aide suggests he was still involved in her political operations. Critics argue that lawmakers should be held accountable for hiring individuals who are in the country unlawfully, especially while advocating policies that encourage illegal immigration.
Meanwhile, Trump’s immigration policies have led to a significant reduction in illegal crossings, with deportations increasing for those who have overstayed visas or committed additional crimes. His administration has emphasized the need for stronger border enforcement and an end to loopholes that allow individuals to remain in the country unlawfully for extended periods. De la Vega’s self-deportation is a reminder of the broader debate on immigration enforcement and the consequences of lax policies.
