L.A. Landscaper Self-Deports to Mexico After Federal Detention

Community Support for Detained Landscaper

• 💔 A beloved West Hollywood gardener and landscaper, Alberto, has self-deported to Mexico after being detained by federal agents.
• 🗓️ Alberto, who has lived in the U.S. for over six decades after coming from Mexico at age 15, decided to leave voluntarily rather than risk prolonged detention.
• 🤝 Family, friends, and community members are rallying to support Alberto, providing financial assistance and help with the legal process.

Circumstances of Detention and Departure

• 📍 Federal agents detained Alberto on January 7th while he was working at a home in West Hollywood.
• ⚠️ Alberto, who has health issues including needing medication for stroke prevention, expressed concern about further injury during his apprehension.
• ✈️ He was transported to a detention center in downtown Los Angeles, where he was given the option to leave the country voluntarily, leading to his self-deportation to Tijuana, Mexico.

Employer's Perspective and Community Concerns

• 💬 Alberto's employer and his girlfriend, Gloria Blanc, describe him as a reliable and integral part of their lives and community.
• ⚖️ They acknowledge that Alberto is undocumented and that his situation is complex, noting that his low literacy makes navigating the application process challenging.
• ❓ The Department of Homeland Security was contacted for comment but had not yet responded at the time of the report.