Archive · 26 Jul 2025
Mexican Family Self-Deports, Loses Everything at the Border
A Mexican family, scared about potential changes in U.S. immigration rules, decided to move back to Mexico.
They had built a small life in Arizona.
Unfortunately, at the border, Mexican officials took their car and all their money, which was their savings.
They were left with nothing.
After getting help from a charity, they returned to their dangerous hometown in Mexico, facing tough times finding jobs and a place to live.
They now live with family and struggle after losing everything.
A Mexican family self-deported from the U.S. fearing changes in immigration policies under a new administration.
The family was stopped at the Mexican border, and their car and savings were confiscated by Mexican customs.
They had applied for asylum in the U.S. after fleeing cartel violence in Mexico.
After arriving in Mexico, they struggled to find housing and employment and lost what little they had.
A humanitarian organization provided initial assistance and helped them return to their home.
- Who
- Sonia Coria, Carlos Leon, and their two children.
- What
- A family self-deported to Mexico and lost their car and savings.
- When
- January 2024, after concerns about U.S. immigration policy under a new administration.
- Where
- Glendale, Arizona (formerly), Uruapan, Mexico (currently), and the U.S.-Mexico border at Nogales.
- Why
- Due to fear of losing their possessions and being deported under a new administration's potential policies.
Family's Perspective
Authorities' Stance
Reason for Leaving and Loss
Family's Perspective
Fear of losing everything led to their decision to leave and the assumption that stricter immigration policies would be enforced, affecting their asylum case.
Authorities' Stance
Mexican customs officials seized their belongings at the border.
The Outcome of Returning Home
Family's Perspective
The family felt they had made a life and had made an application for asylum.
Authorities' Stance
The family lost their savings and their vehicle to Mexican Customs at the border.
- Family's Savings
- $5,000 (confiscated)
- Confiscated Item
- 2008 Ford F-150 pickup truck
- Family's Home City
- Uruapan, Mexico
- Deportation Strategy
- Self-deportation
- Children's Ages
- 8 and 5
- Border Crossing
- Dennis DeConcini border crossing at Nogales