Name: Deported migrants share how they navigate life across the border
Uploaded: 2025-12-30T09:17:03.957Z
Duration: 2 min 3 s
Description: As the holidays highlight the pain of separation for deported immigrants, new DHS incentives for voluntary return offer little comfort to those still hoping to go back to the U.S.

As the holidays highlight the pain of separation for deported immigrants, new DHS incentives for voluntary return offer little comfort to those still hoping to go back to the U.S.

Arizona

Alma Gonzalez and Ignacio Garvan, both deported after living in the United States for decades, describe the emotional and practical difficulties they face living in Mexico away from their families. Alma, deported after serving a prison sentence, relies on phone calls to connect with loved ones, while Ignacio, who has been deported multiple times, feels his only option for work and family connection is to return to the U.S.

Both migrants highlight the lack of support and opportunities in Mexico, with Ignacio noting the recent halt of CBP One App asylum appointments under President Donald Trump's second term, further limiting their legal pathways to reenter the United States. Their stories underscore the ongoing struggles faced by deported migrants during the holiday season and beyond.

Deported migrants share how they navigate life across the border

For many people, the holidays mean coming together, but for Alma Gonzalez and Ignacio Garvan, it means distance, silence, and an empty seat at the table. Like for Christmas, what are we going to do? Nothing. We don't have our families, you know. We just, we're all deported here. We don't have, what do we have? Nothing. After living her life in the United States since she was six months old, Alma says she was deported following a four-year prison sentence for a crime she committed. I have a drinking problem. I had one, which I've been doing for 35 years, and I got in a fight with my daughter-in-law. This holiday season, instead of family dinners, Alma will rely on phone calls. And the reason I'm here is not because I want to be here in New Delhi, but because it's closer to my family. Even though I don't see them, haven't seen them in five years, but I'm closer to them. I feel closer to them. And the support of her boyfriend, Ignacio, who Alma says has helped her navigate a new life in Mexico. Believe me, I wouldn't have made it on my own. Ignacio lived in Tucson for more than 30 years before he was deported in May, but not for the first time. Even after I get deported, I go back because I know I have nothing here for me. He was sentenced to nine months after his most recent illegal re-entry. The average prison sentence for this crime is around 12 to 18 months, and can go up to 20 years depending on criminal history. You get used to the American dream, and nothing here compares. The only family Ignacio has is his son. He says the possibility of work in the U.S. feels like his only option. Well, yeah. It's really sad to think about, because in reality, I don't do anything. The only crime I'm committing is not having papers. Since President Donald Trump began his second term, all CBP One App asylum appointments at ports of entry were halted. Despite Ignacio's limited legal pathways to the U.S., he considers returning the only way he knows how. It's a little hard for me to leave right now, but with a good job and money saved, I'm leaving. Reporting in Nogales, Mexico, Jacqueline Aguilar.

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