Couple Departs U.S. After Decades of Living in Fear

Enrique Castillejos and Maria Elena Hernandez self-deport to Mexico amid immigration crackdown

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

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Enrique Castillejos, 63, and his wife Maria Elena Hernandez, 55, have decided to self-deport from the United States and return to their native Mexico after living in the country illegally for nearly 30 years. The couple, who have three children and two grandchildren, say they grew weary of living in fear of immigration raids and deportation under the Trump administration's crackdown on undocumented immigrants. Despite having built a life in the U.S., the Castillejos family is now leaving behind their home, business, and community to start over in Mexico.

Why it matters

The Castillejos' decision to self-deport highlights the human toll of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, which have prompted many undocumented immigrants to make the difficult choice to leave the U.S. even if it means abandoning the lives they've built. Their story reflects the broader impact on families and communities as immigration enforcement has intensified across the country.

The details

After attending church one Friday night, Enrique and Maria Elena stopped at a Winchell's Donut House, part of their weekly routine. That evening's sermon had been about finding peace in God during turbulent times, which spoke directly to the couple as undocumented immigrants living in fear of deportation. They had decided to self-deport and move back to Mexico, a process that has taken an emotional, spiritual, and logistical toll on their family. The couple had to make arrangements to close their trucking business, find homes for their pets, and say goodbye to their church and community before departing.

  • On August 8, Enrique and Maria Elena had just two weeks left before departing the U.S.
  • On August 24, Enrique and Maria Elena self-deported, leaving the U.S. after nearly 30 years.

The players

Enrique Castillejos

A 63-year-old undocumented immigrant who has decided to self-deport from the U.S. to Mexico after living in the country illegally for nearly 30 years.

Maria Elena Hernandez

Enrique's 55-year-old wife, who has also decided to self-deport from the U.S. to Mexico after living in the country illegally for nearly 30 years.

Lizbeth Castillejos

The 29-year-old oldest daughter of Enrique and Maria Elena, who is struggling with conflicting emotions as her parents depart the U.S.

Helen Castillejos

The 23-year-old youngest daughter of Enrique and Maria Elena, who is a schoolteacher.

Joaquin Castillejos

The 26-year-old son of Enrique and Maria Elena.

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What they’re saying

“It's a mixture of all those feelings — being grateful for knowing that they're safe, and at the same time, hating that this is the way it has to be.”

— Lizbeth Castillejos, Daughter (newspub.live)

“He said he would go after criminals, and we don't consider ourselves criminals. We consider ourselves working people. It turns out, for him, we're all criminals.”

— Maria Elena Hernandez (newspub.live)

What’s next

The Castillejos family will continue adjusting to their new life in Mexico, where they plan to stay with relatives and work on fixing up a small dwelling on their plot of land in Chiapas.

The takeaway

The Castillejos' decision to self-deport after nearly three decades in the U.S. illustrates the profound human impact of the Trump administration's aggressive immigration policies, which have forced many undocumented families to make the difficult choice to leave the country they've called home, even if it means abandoning the lives they've built.