In a heart-wrenching decision echoing the struggles of countless immigrant families, a South Los Angeles mother, Regina, has self-deported to Mexico, leaving behind her husband and three children after 36 years in the United States. The emotional departure unfolded this past Saturday as Regina embraced her daughter, Julie, for the first time in over two decades, capturing the moment on social media, which has since gone viral.

Regina’s choice stems from a profound fear of imminent deportation, exacerbated by the Trump administration’s aggressive immigration policies. Despite having lived and worked legally in the U.S. for years, the escalating anxiety surrounding her status and the rising costs of legal assistance compelled her to leave. “My mom was scared of being deported without her consent,” Julie explained, emphasizing that the family felt they had no other option.

Now residing in a small home in her hometown—where she hadn’t set foot in over 20 years—Regina’s departure is not just a personal tragedy but a stark reminder of the harsh realities faced by many undocumented immigrants. Julie, while documenting her mother’s journey, stressed that they do not advocate for self-deportation but felt trapped by circumstances. “Nobody chooses to be illegal on purpose,” she said, reflecting the painful reality of their situation.

Regina’s story resonates deeply as 64 others have reportedly chosen similar paths in the wake of government incentives for self-deportation. As families grapple with fear and uncertainty, the emotional toll of such decisions continues to ripple through communities, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive immigration reform. Julie’s family now lives in constant fear of losing more loved ones to this relentless cycle, underscoring the human cost of a broken immigration system.