UPDATE: In a dramatic move, Regina Higuera, a 51-year-old single mother, has self-deported to Mexico after 36 years in the United States. This decision comes amid heightened enforcement by ICE operations that have surged by 124% since last year, igniting fears among undocumented immigrants.
Higuera’s choice to leave was spurred by intensified ICE actions in California, where she faced the ultimatum of risking detention or voluntarily returning to her birthplace. “I was really sad that I was leaving my family behind,” Higuera told Business Insider, expressing her emotional conflict but also relief at reuniting with her 90-year-old mother after 22 years apart.
Just this summer, data revealed that ICE arrests have dramatically increased, supported by a new budget plan from former President Donald Trump that requests $75 billion to enhance immigration enforcement. Higuera’s daughter, Julie Ear, shared their journey on social media, which went viral, capturing millions of views as they traveled from Los Angeles to Tijuana for her flight to Mexico City.
Higuera, who lacked legal documentation, felt the pressure mount as ICE raids escalated in her community. “Come with me to self-deport my mom,” Ear urged viewers, showcasing the heart-wrenching decision that many families face. Higuera’s anxiety about crossing the border dissipated as she arrived at the airport, stating, “Once we crossed the border into Tijuana, I felt a sense of relief. I am finally home safe.”
This self-deportation is not just a personal story; it reflects a broader trend influenced by recent government policies. In May, the Trump administration initiated a program encouraging undocumented immigrants to leave the U.S. voluntarily, offering a $1,000 stipend. However, Higuera chose not to apply, fearing the consequences of staying under potential ICE detention, which has been criticized for overcrowding and inadequate care.
The financial burden of living in Los Angeles also weighed heavily on Higuera. With monthly rent costs around $1,700, she struggled to make ends meet as a garment worker earning between $500 and $1,000 weekly. “It was a recurring cycle that we have been working for years: living paycheck to paycheck and have nothing to show,” she reflected.
Now back in Mexico, Higuera anticipates a more affordable life, estimating that she can live comfortably on $500 to $800 a month. The move, however, was not without cost; relocating her belongings across the border set her back over $4,000. To help, her daughter organized a GoFundMe campaign that raised $2,635.
Higuera is now semi-retired, exploring side gigs to support her living expenses in Mexico, where she owns a small two-bedroom house. “I know that I can always sell things out here the same way I did back in LA,” she said, drawing on her past experiences.
Reconnecting with her mother has been the most rewarding aspect of her return. “I love that my mom is just a couple of steps from me, and I have breakfast with her every morning,” Higuera shared, highlighting the emotional significance of her journey.
As Higuera settles into her new life, she remains hopeful that her husband can join her and that her children, all American citizens, can visit. Her story is a poignant reminder of the human impact of immigration policies and the personal sacrifices families endure as they navigate complex legal landscapes.
