A woman’s brave and poignant decision to self-deport to Mexico after living in the United States for 36 years has led to a profound reshaping of her family’s reality amid escalating ICE raids in the country. Regina Higuera, 51, made the difficult choice to leave the only home she had known since the age of 15 when she departed on June 7, 2025. The garment worker from Los Angeles, aware that her work permit had expired years ago, was driven by fear for her safety and a strong desire to protect her American-born children.
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Speaking exclusively to PEOPLE, Higuera’s daughter, Julie Ear, shared the emotional journey her mother embarked on and the impact it had on their family. Despite feeling heartbroken by her mother’s decision, Ear expressed the family’s ultimate support for Higuera’s choice to prioritize their safety and well-being above all else. Higuera had been forced to quit her job as immigration raids intensified in her Highland Park neighborhood, creating an unsafe environment that made it impossible for her to continue working.
The Trump administration’s crackdown on immigration has led to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) targeting over 3,000 immigrants daily, compelling individuals like Higuera to live in constant fear and uncertainty. The rise in detentions and deportations has left many undocumented immigrants vulnerable to arrest and removal from the country, prompting Higuera to take proactive measures to safeguard her family’s future.
Driven by a deep sense of responsibility towards her children, Higuera self-deported to Mexico to seek refuge and reunite with her extended family. Despite leaving behind her husband of 25 years, children, and grandchildren, she found solace in the prospect of a more stable and secure future away from the escalating anti-immigrant sentiment in the United States. Her daughter, Ear, highlighted Higuera’s hardworking nature and lack of a criminal record, underscoring the unfairness of a system that disregards the contributions of immigrants.
Upon her arrival in Guerrero, Mexico, where she had inherited land and was building a new home, Higuera expressed a sense of peace at being reunited with her mother after over two decades. Ear and her siblings are planning a visit in August, while their stepfather intends to join Higuera in Mexico. However, adjusting to the cultural differences and the absence of loved ones has posed challenges for Higuera, who is grappling with the new reality of starting afresh in a foreign land.
Ear, an advocate against injustices faced by immigrant communities, emphasised the importance of supporting individuals in similar situations and standing up against discriminatory policies. While acknowledging the complexities of each person’s circumstances, she encouraged others to seek strength and guidance from their communities to navigate challenges and forge a life that aligns with their values. Higuera’s bravery in taking control of her destiny serves as a poignant reminder of the resilience and determination of immigrants in the face of adversity.