In a development that has sparked intense debate across political and social media platforms, Diego de la Vega, a former Deputy Communications Director for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez’s (D-NY) re-election campaign, has self-deported to Colombia. The move detailed in various news outlets, has raised significant questions about immigration policy, campaign hiring practices, and the legal implications of employing undocumented immigrants in high-profile political roles.
The Backstory: Diego de la Vega’s Journey
Diego de la Vega, born in Ecuador, immigrated to the United States in 2001 at the age of 7 on a visitor’s visa. According to Migrant Insider and the New York Post, de la Vega overstayed his visa, remaining in the U.S. illegally for over two decades. Despite his undocumented status, he became deeply involved in immigrant rights advocacy, eventually working as a communications director for New York State Assembly member Robert Rodriguez before joining Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign in 2021.
De la Vega’s role as Deputy Communications Director for AOC’s re-election campaign thrust him into the national spotlight. The New York Post reported that Ocasio-Cortez praised him, saying, “Diego is amazing. We love him.” However, his undocumented status remained a hidden reality until recent revelations brought it to light, prompting his decision to leave the U.S. for Colombia.
“It’s bittersweet. I hadn’t left the country in 23 years—from age seven to age 30,” de la Vega told Migrant Insider. “Now, I can’t go back to the U.S. It feels like exile. It’s a very permanent move.” He expressed frustration with the stagnation of the immigration movement, noting, “Protections are going away, regardless of who is in the White House. The strategy hasn’t adapted to the modern era.”
The X Post and Public Reaction
The news broke on X early Saturday, March 8, 2025, with AF Post sharing images of Ocasio-Cortez in a congressional hearing and de la Vega among a crowd flanked by American flags, captioned: “An illegal immigrant who served as AOC’s staffer has self-deported to Colombia.” The post, timestamped at 8:05 AM EST, quickly garnered attention, amassing replies ranging from support for de la Vega’s departure to calls for investigations into Ocasio-Cortez’s hiring practices.
Responses on X were polarized. Some users, like
@WhiteKanyeAF, celebrated the move with a simple “Big W,” while others, such as
@nikoli75027693, expressed broader frustration, stating, “one down, 40 million to go.” Critics, including
@angelwoman501 and
@robbystarbuck, demanded investigations into how de la Vega was paid—reportedly $80,000 annually—and whether he used a fake Social Security number or evaded taxes, raising legal and ethical questions about AOC’s campaign.
Ocasio-Cortez, known for her outspoken advocacy for immigrant rights, has not yet publicly addressed de la Vega’s departure in detail, though her past statements defending migrants and criticizing harsh immigration policies, as noted in a recent NPR interview, provide context for her stance.
Legal and Political Implications
De la Vega’s self-deportation and his employment by Ocasio-Cortez have ignited a firestorm of debate about the legality of hiring undocumented immigrants for political campaigns. Under U.S. law, employers are required to verify the work eligibility of employees using Form I-9 and the E-Verify system. The revelation that an undocumented individual held a prominent role in a congressional campaign has led to accusations of negligence or willful ignorance on Ocasio-Cortez’s part, with some X users and news outlets calling for a Department of Justice investigation.
The timing of de la Vega’s departure coincides with President Donald Trump’s aggressive immigration policies, including mass deportation efforts and threats of tariffs against countries refusing to accept deported nationals. Colombia, under President Gustavo Petro, recently agreed to accept U.S. deportation flights after a brief standoff with Trump’s administration, as reported by the BBC. This broader context underscores the heightened scrutiny on undocumented immigrants in the U.S. and the political pressure on figures like Ocasio-Cortez, a vocal critic of Trump’s policies.
Broader Context: Immigration and Campaign Hiring
De la Vega’s story is part of a larger national conversation about immigration, particularly as Trump’s administration ramps up deportations. Web reports, such as those from the New American Economy, highlight the economic contributions of undocumented immigrants, noting their role in creating jobs and contributing billions to the U.S. economy. However, the political backlash against their presence, especially in sensitive roles, has intensified under the current administration.
Ocasio-Cortez’s hiring of de la Vega also raises questions about campaign hiring practices. Political campaigns, unlike federal or state government positions, operate under different legal frameworks, but they are still subject to federal labor laws. The New York Post and other outlets have pointed out the “thorny questions” surrounding de la Vega’s employment, including how his salary was processed and whether AOC’s campaign knowingly violated immigration laws.
Public and Political Fallout
On X, the trending topic tied to this story—“AOC’s campaign aide, an undocumented immigrant, has self-deported. What does this mean for campaign hiring?”—has sparked heated discussions. Some users, like
@libsoftiktok, questioned why “a sitting member of Congress [would be] employing an illegal,” while others, such as
@TaraBull808, framed it as a “BREAKING” story with broader implications for immigration policy.
Ocasio-Cortez’s defenders argue that her hiring of de la Vega reflects her commitment to immigrant rights and inclusion, aligning with her public persona as a progressive champion. However, critics see it as a potential legal and ethical lapse, especially given her high-profile status and the scrutiny she faces from political opponents.
What’s Next?
As of March 8, 2025, no official investigation has been announced, but the calls for accountability are growing louder on social media and in conservative circles. Ocasio-Cortez’s response, if any, could shape the narrative around this controversy and her political future. Meanwhile, de la Vega’s self-deportation highlights the personal toll of U.S. immigration policies, even for those deeply embedded in the political system.
This story is far from over, with potential ramifications for immigration reform, campaign ethics, and the ongoing political battle between progressive Democrats like AOC and the Trump administration’s hardline stance on illegal immigration. As the nation watches, the intersection of personal choice, legal accountability, and political ideology continues to unfold on platforms like X and beyond.
