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LOS ANGELES (KTLA) Loved ones are heartbroken after a grandmother chose to self-deport to Mexico, leaving her family behind after living in Southern California for 36 years.
The woman, identified only as Regina, is a 51-year-old mother and grandmother who has lived in South Los Angeles since 1989.
While working to gain citizenship in the U.S., she raised a family and was employed as a garment worker in LA’s Fashion District.
As the Trump administration began increasing its immigration enforcement efforts, Julie Ear said her mother grew frightened over what her future would look like.
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Regina (second from right) is seen with her family. -
Julie Ear (on left) and her mother, Regina, are seen in a family photo. -
Julie Ear said goodbye to her mother at the airport as Regina boarded a one-way flight to Mexico City, choosing to self-deport after living in Los Angeles for 36 years. (@julieeear) -
Julie Ear said goodbye to her mother at the airport as Regina boarded a one-way flight to Mexico City, choosing to self-deport after living in Los Angeles for 36 years. (@julieeear) -
Regina reunited with her mother in Mexico, marking the first time they’ve been together in 22 years. (@julieeear) -
Regina bid family members farewell before boarding a one-way flight to Mexico City, choosing to self-deport after living in Los Angeles for 36 years. (@julieeear) -
Julie Ear posted a social media video that went viral, showing her family’s journey as her mother chooses to self-deport to Mexico after living in Los Angeles for 36 years. (@julieeear)
“She was afraid they would come to her house,” Ear told affiliate KTLA’s Sandra Mitchell. “She was afraid to drive, to be pulled over and taken in.”
Wanting to be in control of her life, Regina made the decision to self-deport. On June 7, the family drove to Tijuana, Mexico, and said goodbye to Regina as she boarded a one-way flight to Mexico City.
Ear documented her mother’s self-deportation journey and posted a video of their experience on social media. The video went viral and has since been viewed millions of times.
Regina leaves behind three children and three grandchildren.
“The worst part was saying goodbye to her kids and grandchildren,” Ear said. “That was the hardest part for her.”
Ear said her mother did not want to take advantage of the Trump administration’s Project Homecoming, a program that offered those who self-deported a $1,000 stipend and a free outbound flight.
“It honestly feels like a trap,” she said. “[Especially] once we give up that control to somebody else, to the government that is obviously not on our side.”
After landing in Mexico, Regina reunited with her own mother, marking the first time they’ve been together in 22 years. A video of their emotional reunion was posted online and has been viewed by many who were invested in her journey.
“It’s been very overwhelming,” Ear said of the social media attention her videos have received.
Ear said saying goodbye to her mother was heartbreaking, but she’s trying to stay positive and focus on taking care of herself and her family members.
“I just hugged her so close to me,” Julie said. “I kissed her. I kept telling her, ‘Don’t worry, Mom. I’m going to go see you very soon.’”
