L.A. Grandmother Self-Deports to Mexico After 36 Years Amidst Immigration Crackdown

A Difficult Decision to Self-Deport

• 💔 A grandmother, Regina, decided to self-deport to Mexico after living in South L.A. for 36 years.
• 😨 Her decision was driven by fear of detention following increased immigration enforcement announced by the Trump Administration.
• 📹 Her daughter, Julie, documented the emotional goodbye, with the story going viral on social media.

Leaving Family and a Life Behind

• 🏠 Regina, a 51-year-old garment worker, had resided in the U.S. since 1989.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 She leaves behind three children and three grandchildren in Los Angeles.
• 🚗 The family drove Regina to Tijuana, where she then flew to Mexico City.

Operation Homecoming and Its Implications

• ✈️ Regina declined to take advantage of "Project Homecoming," which offers a free flight and $1000 to immigrants leaving the U.S.
• ⚠️ Her daughter expressed distrust in the government, stating they are "obviously not on our side."
• 📊 The Department of Homeland Security reported the first Operation Homecoming flight departed Texas last month with 64 immigrants.

Repercussions and Community Impact

• 🌍 Back in Mexico, Regina reunited with her own mother for the first time in 22 years.
• 💬 Her daughter is now guiding others who may be considering self-deportation, sharing advice and reassurance.
• 📈 The story highlights the difficult realities and fears faced by undocumented immigrants in America.