Returning Home: A Family’s Journey Back to Mexico
The Weight of the Past
For Rosalinda and her family, the decision to return to Mexico wasn’t a simple one. It was layered with decades of experiences – the initial desperation that drove them to cross the border, the challenges of building a life in the United States, and the ever-present fear of deportation. In 1995, Rosalinda’s mother, responding to concerns about a son’s trouble in the U.S.,decided the family needed to be closer to him. Despite Rosalinda’s desire to remain, her mother insisted they leave, leading to three attempts to cross the border with the aid of smugglers.
The journey itself left deep scars.At fourteen, Rosalinda endured a harrowing experience during the crossing, being groped by one of the smugglers. “There was nothing I could do-I couldn’t scream or anything,” she recounted, the memory still causing her pain. “I just had to stay silent.” This trauma solidified a promise to never cross the border again, a vow she held for many years.
Life in San Bernardino brought both stability and new challenges. Rosalinda met Manuel, and they had a son, José. While they occasionally considered returning to mexico, a particularly disheartening experience applying for Medicaid almost prompted a move fifteen years prior. However, their twelve-year-old son, José, pleaded with them to stay, and they honored his wish.
A Community Forged in Displacement
Over time, the garcía family built a life in Southern California.Approximately half of their extended family now resides in the region, while the other half remains in Mexico, known to Rosalinda largely by name. They established a vibrant social network, with Rosalinda regularly attending an evangelical church and exercise classes, and Manuel participating in a recreational baseball league.
Despite their integration into American society, the shadow of their immigration status loomed large.The family sought spaces where they could feel safe from potential Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids. They found solace at a local R.V. park and campground, a privately owned property enclosed by a fence, offering a temporary respite from the fear of deportation. As José explained, “It’s one of the few places outdoors where ICE can’t just show up.” During a period of heightened raids in San Bernardino, Rosalinda spent two weeks camping there, seeking a sense of security.
The Song of Return
The decision to return to Mexico felt surreal for Rosalinda, a departure from her long-held promise. After three decades in the U.S., Mexico seemed like a place constructed from memory. “we are afraid, because we’re moving to a place that we don’t remember,” she admitted, expressing a mixture of apprehension and resignation.
As they prepared to leave,Rosalinda chose a song that encapsulated her feelings: “El Mojado Acaudalado” (“The Wealthy Wetback”). This norteño song, characterized by its accordion-driven melody, reclaims a historically derogatory term for mexican immigrants who crossed the Rio Grande illegally. The song’s narrative resonated with Rosalinda’s own experience - a migrant who had worked hard in the U.S. and was now returning home with savings. She sang along to every word,a poignant soundtrack to their departure.
Understanding the Context: Immigration and Fear
The García family‘s story is representative of the experiences of millions of undocumented immigrants in the United States. The fear of deportation has become increasingly pervasive in recent years, particularly under stricter immigration enforcement policies. According to data from the Department of Homeland Security, deportations have fluctuated but remain a notable concern for immigrant communities.
| Year | Deportations (ICE removals) |
|---|---|
| 2015 | 438,421 |
| 2016 | 240,259 |
| 2017 | 290,692 |
| 2018 | 256,451 |
| 2019 | 200,000 (estimated) |
Source: Department of Homeland Security, ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Report (various years)
The use of private campgrounds as safe havens, as demonstrated by the García family, illustrates the lengths to which individuals will go to protect themselves from potential ICE actions. The term “ICE” itself has become a symbol of fear and anxiety within immigrant communities.