ICE arrested him in S.F. after 29 years. He returned to a Mexico he no longer remembers.

Miguel Lopez returned to his childhood home in Chimalhuacán, Mexico, for his 47th birthday after being deported from the U. S. following 29 years of residence. His unexpected return was triggered by a judge's decision regarding his immigration case, leaving him grappling with the unfamiliarity of his homeland. The Mexican government’s “México Te Abraza” initiative aims to support individuals like Lopez, offering documentation and $2,000 MXN pesos for reintegration.

However, Lopez faced immediate challenges, including the loss of his identification, creating obstacles in his re-entry process. He describes the fear he experienced upon arrival in Tijuana, where he felt like an outsider. Despite the assistance offered by the government, the reintegration journey remains fraught with difficulties for deportees. Lopez's story underscores the broader issues surrounding immigration policies and the human impact of deportation. As he navigates this new chapter, the memories of his life in the U.

S. continue to linger.