AOC’s former aide Diego de la Vega self-deports to Colombia after living as an illegal immigrant for 23 years, raising serious questions about congressional hiring practices and highlighting the ongoing border crisis.
At a Glance
- Diego de la Vega, a former aide to Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, has self-deported to Colombia after overstaying his visa for 23 years
- De la Vega served as AOC’s deputy communications director despite his illegal immigration status
- His hiring raises serious questions about vetting practices in congressional offices
- De la Vega described his departure as feeling like “exile” but expressed relief at no longer living “in the shadows”
From Congressional Aide to Self-Deportee
In a stunning revelation that exposes the hypocrisy rampant in progressive political circles, a former staffer for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez has self-deported to Colombia after living illegally in the United States for over two decades. Diego de la Vega, who served as AOC’s deputy communications director, had overstayed a visitor’s visa since arriving from Ecuador at age 7. This revelation raises serious questions about the vetting process within congressional offices and how someone without legal status could obtain such a sensitive government position.
The situation becomes even more outrageous when considering that Ocasio-Cortez has been one of the loudest voices condemning immigration enforcement while apparently employing someone who was violating immigration law. De la Vega was hired by AOC’s re-election campaign in 2021 before transitioning to her congressional office staff. This timeline suggests a long-term employment relationship that would have required formal employment verification — a process that should have revealed his illegal status.
“Freedom” in Self-Deportation
In comments that reveal the contradictory nature of the progressive stance on immigration, de la Vega described his departure from the United States in mixed terms. On one hand, he acknowledges the permanence and difficulty of his situation. On the other, he celebrates his newfound legal status in Colombia — effectively admitting that living legally is preferable to existing in violation of a nation’s laws.
“It’s bittersweet. I hadn’t left the country in 23 years — from age seven to age 30. Now, I can’t go back to the US. It feels like exile. It’s a very permanent move. But my wife and I are confident we made the right decision. And, after some time, it’s been a real pleasure to be here.”
The irony is palpable when de la Vega states, “It feels surreal to not be illegalized anymore. I don’t have to live in the shadows or constantly worry about paperwork. That freedom of movement is incredibly satisfying.” This statement essentially confirms what immigration enforcement advocates have long argued — that enforcing immigration law isn’t about cruelty but about maintaining a system where people can live openly and legally, rather than “in the shadows.”
Congressional Hiring Practices Under Scrutiny
Perhaps the most troubling aspect of this entire situation is the apparent lack of concern from Ocasio-Cortez herself. When questioned about de la Vega, the congresswoman simply stated, “Diego is amazing. We love him,” without addressing the serious legal and ethical questions his employment raises. This casual dismissal of potential legal violations underscores the selective application of law that has become all too common among certain political figures.
The de la Vega situation exemplifies the broken immigration system that continues to plague our nation. When congressional offices potentially employ illegal immigrants while simultaneously blocking border enforcement measures and promoting amnesty policies, it reveals a fundamental disconnect between their public positions and private actions. American citizens deserve better than representatives who preach one set of rules while potentially operating under another. De la Vega’s self-deportation should spark serious investigations into hiring practices throughout Congress.
