An illegal immigrant who worked as the Deputy Communications Director for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) reportedly self-deported to Colombia.
Diego de la Vega, originally from Quito, Ecuador, shared with Migrant Insider that he and his wife, both undocumented immigrants, relocated to Bogotá, Colombia, in December. Their move from the United States to Colombia has brought them a newfound sense of happiness and fulfillment.
In the interview, de la Vega highlighted the stark contrast between their previous life in the US and their current situation in South America. Despite having fond memories of his childhood in New York, he acknowledged the constant fear and uncertainty that came with their undocumented status.
The former aide to AOC suggests that growing up in New York City, his family always feared for their safety.
Reflecting on their past experiences, de la Vega recalled the anxiety they felt due to their immigration status. He emphasized the challenges they faced as illegal immigrants and the need to constantly be vigilant and protective of themselves.
Former illegal immigrant aide to AOC self-deports to Colombia amid questions about employment: reporthttps://t.co/HNVjVvaOU3
— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) March 8, 2025
After indicating that he spent much of his upbringing worrying, De la Vega suggests that life in Colombia is so much easier and better.
“It feels surreal to not be illegalized anymore. I don’t have to live in the shadows or constantly worry about paperwork,” he delighted. “That freedom of movement is incredibly satisfying. I might not be able to return to the United States for many years—I don’t know how long.”
“But it feels fulfilling to be home.”
Imagine how grand life could have been if his family never overstayed their visa. He certainly had the option to “be home” for many years.
While his self-deportation came just one month after Trump’s stunning re-election, de la Vega indicates it probably would have happened regardless of the outcome. He blasts both parties for not providing amnesty for DACA recipients.
“Regardless of the 2024 election outcome, the likelihood of amnesty, citizenship, or comprehensive immigration reform seemed slim,” he said. “Even if Kamala won, we could be waiting another four years, and then another four after that.”
It seems likely that Trump’s victory helped hasten the decision, however.
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De la Vega, who quickly rose through the ranks of AOC’s campaign, also counts former Secretary of State of New York Robert Rodriguez, a state assemblyman at the time, as an employer for a full-time job as Special Assistant. He previously worked as an intern for former Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).
Maloney had him as a guest at the 2018 State of the Union address. He would later chastise President Trump after the speech for having “antagonized” so-called Dreamers and putting them in the same category as “gangs, and gangsters, and criminals.”
Did Ocasio-Cortez skirt this provision by essentially treating him as an intern? DACA recipients are barred from paid positions in congressional offices. And yet, de la Vega only lists AOC’s office as employment on LinkedIn between October 2022 and January 2025.
How did he navigate and afford New York City for over two years working in an unpaid role?
It certainly raises some questions. Especially when considering in 2019, AOC announced that “no one on my staff” would make less than $52,000 a year, which she described as one of the highest entry-level salaries on Capitol Hill at the time.
AOC, meanwhile, spoke very highly of her illegal immigrant former aide and seemed to have no qualms over having employed him.
“Diego is amazing,” she told the outlet when asked for comment. “We love him.”
