An illegal immigrant who worked as the Deputy Communications Director for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) reportedly self-deported to Colombia.

Diego de la Vega, who lists his hometown on social media as Quito, Ecuador, along with his wife, who is also an illegal alien, told Migrant Insider that the couple moved to Colombia's capital city of Bogotá in December.

What stands out about the interview with the outlet is how great life has been for de la Vega and his wife since moving to the South American country, whereas it was essentially misery while they lived in the United States.

De la Vega came to the United States in 2001 at the age of seven on a visitor’s visa, which he eventually overstayed. He later enrolled in the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, but his wife was not part of it.

The former aide to AOC suggests that growing up in New York City, his family always feared for their safety.

“It was very clear to me early on that our status was different. Even as a child, I understood what being illegal meant. We knew we had to protect ourselves,” he said. “We lived in fear because we were not of the right status, but I had a pretty good childhood in New York."

Former illegal immigrant aide to AOC self-deports to Colombia amid questions about employment: reporthttps://t.co/HNVjVvaOU3

— Mr Producer (@RichSementa) March 8, 2025

After indicating that he spent much of his upbringing worrying, De la Vega suggests that life in Colombia is so much easier and better.

"It feels surreal to not be illegalized anymore. I don’t have to live in the shadows or constantly worry about paperwork," he delighted. "That freedom of movement is incredibly satisfying. I might not be able to return to the United States for many years—I don’t know how long."

"But it feels fulfilling to be home."

Imagine how grand life could have been if his family never overstayed their visa. He certainly had the option to "be home" for many years.

While his self-deportation came just one month after Trump's stunning re-election, de la Vega indicates it probably would have happened regardless of the outcome. He blasts both parties for not providing amnesty for DACA recipients.

"Regardless of the 2024 election outcome, the likelihood of amnesty, citizenship, or comprehensive immigration reform seemed slim," he said. "Even if Kamala won, we could be waiting another four years, and then another four after that."

It seems likely that Trump's victory helped hasten the decision, however.

Boom: Rep. Anna Paulina Luna Referring 4 Sanctuary City Mayors to DOJ for Criminal Investigation

Working As Advertised: Even Legacy Media Admits Trump's Border Crackdown Is Effective

De la Vega, who quickly rose through the ranks of AOC's campaign, also counts former Secretary of State of New York Robert Rodriguez, a state assemblyman at the time, as an employer for a full-time job as Special Assistant. He previously worked as an intern for former Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY).

Maloney had him as a guest at the 2018 State of the Union address. He would later chastise President Trump after the speech for having "antagonized" so-called Dreamers and putting them in the same category as "gangs, and gangsters, and criminals."

Under the Immigration Reform and Control Act (IRCA) of 1986, codified in 8 U.S.C. § 1324a, it is unlawful for any person or entity—including members of Congress—to knowingly hire, recruit, or continue to employ an individual who is not authorized to work in the United States. 

Did Ocasio-Cortez skirt this provision by essentially treating him as an intern? DACA recipients are barred from paid positions in congressional offices. And yet, de la Vega only lists AOC's office as employment on LinkedIn between October 2022 and January 2025.

How did he navigate and afford New York City for over two years working in an unpaid role?

It certainly raises some questions. Especially when considering in 2019, AOC announced that "no one on my staff" would make less than $52,000 a year, which she described as one of the highest entry-level salaries on Capitol Hill at the time.

AOC, meanwhile, spoke very highly of her illegal immigrant former aide and seemed to have no qualms over having employed him.

“Diego is amazing,” she told the outlet when asked for comment. “We love him.”