A Mexican family that lived in the United States decided to self-deport for fear of being detained amid the increase in immigration raids. Although their return to Mexico was voluntary, the family faced an unexpected situation upon crossing the border: they were fined and lost their belongings as well as part of their savings.

The case, documented by Reuters, has sparked outrage among those who believe that, despite having made the difficult decision to return on their own, this family was unfairly punished. Their story is an example of the legal and bureaucratic complexities that migrants face when trying to return to their country of origin.

Fear, determination and return to Mexico

According to Reuters, the family had been living for several years in the city of Glendale, Arizona, where the father, Carlos León, who worked in gardening, the mother, Sonia Coria, who worked in cleaning sites, and their children, who attended school, were trying to adapt to this new life.

According to the report from the same media, their life was stable after they fled Mexico due to the violence that plagued them in their native Uruapan, Michoacán. However, they began to feel increasingly insecure in the face of stricter immigration policies, increased operations, and the possibility of forced deportation that could separate their family. It was this uncertainty that led them to make a drastic decision: to pack up their things and return to Mexico of their own volition. They sold some of their belongings, gathered cash, and began their journey back. Their intention was to return with dignity and on their own terms, without being expelled from the country they had called home for years.

An unexpected fine at the border

According to Reuters, upon arriving at the Dennis DeConcini border crossing in Nogales, the family was detained by Mexican authorities. Although they had their personal belongings, they were confiscated, as was some of the money they were carrying. According to reports, the father was unable to prove ownership of the truck they were traveling in.

After this inspection, the family lost the truck they had purchased months earlier, as well as other belongings.

Currently, the family is in their hometown in Mexico, trying to start over. Reuters reported that, in addition to losing their belongings, they were also left without immediate access to housing, employment, and basic services. What they had hoped would be an orderly transition has turned out to be a challenging start.

Despite the financial and emotional blow, the family is trying to adapt to their new reality, confident that they can rebuild their lives from scratch. His story highlights not only the difficulties of migrating, but also the obstacles faced by those who decide to return of their own free will.