In a heart-wrenching turn of events, a South L.A. mother has made the agonizing decision to self-deport to Mexico, leaving her family behind after 36 years in the United States. Regina, a mother of three and grandmother, departed on Saturday, driven by fear of imminent deportation under the current administration’s policies. Her daughter, Julie, has been documenting this painful journey on social media, capturing the raw emotions of a family torn apart by immigration issues.

Regina’s departure marks a desperate act of self-preservation. Fearing the consequences of being forcibly removed from her home, she opted for a self-deportation she described as a “deportation retirement.” Having not visited her hometown in over two decades, Regina now faces an uncertain future in a country she left behind, while her family remains in the U.S., grappling with the void left by her absence.

Julie shared that their decision stemmed from a lack of viable options. Despite being in the system with a work permit and paying taxes, the escalating costs of legal processes became overwhelming. The family is not advocating for self-deportation; rather, they are highlighting the dire circumstances that led to this painful choice. “Nobody chooses to be illegal on purpose,” Julie stated, underscoring the systemic issues that plague many immigrant families.

As the family navigates this turbulent chapter, they live in constant fear of losing more loved ones to the harsh realities of immigration enforcement. Julie’s stepfather plans to join Regina in Mexico soon, amplifying the urgency of their situation. This story resonates with many, reflecting the profound struggles faced by immigrant families across the nation in an era of intensified deportation efforts.