Key facts
- Mexicans deported from the U.S. are finding refuge in Mexico City's Tabacalera neighborhood, nicknamed 'Little LA'.
Mexicans deported from the U.S. under the Trump administration are finding a sense of belonging in Mexico City's Tabacalera neighborhood, known as 'Little LA.' Organizations like New Comienzos are providing support for reintegration.
The story highlights the human impact of U.S. deportation policies, showing how individuals deported after long periods in the U.S. struggle to reintegrate into Mexican society and find community and support in specific urban enclaves.
The Tabacalera neighborhood in Mexico City, known as 'Little LA,' has become a sanctuary for Mexicans deported from the United States, particularly those who spent decades living in the U.S. and now find Mexico unfamiliar. This area offers a semblance of the American life they left behind, complete with cafes, cantinas, and a mix of English and Spanish on the streets.
With the Trump administration's intensified anti-immigrant policies, deportations are expected to surge. Since taking office for a second term in January 2025, approximately 145,500 Mexican nationals have reportedly been deported. Christopher Gil Ortíz, who had lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, was one such individual. After being detained and deported, he found himself in Mexico with limited resources and facing the daunting task of rebuilding his life. He eventually connected with New Comienzos, an organization based in 'Little LA' dedicated to helping returnees reintegrate.
New Comienzos was founded by Israel Concha, himself a deportee who experienced significant hardship upon his return to Mexico. Witnessing the lack of support for new arrivals, Concha established the organization to offer legal assistance, English certification, and job mentorship. The neighborhood's atmosphere, with its palm trees and familiar vibe, provides a sense of comfort for individuals like Ortíz, who noted, 'Seeing the palm trees, it kind of does make you feel like you’re in LA.'
Many returnees, like Sergio Aaron Pérez, have found employment in the growing number of bilingual call centers in the Tabacalera area. Pérez, who was deported in 2011 after living in the U.S. for over 30 years, described 'Little LA' as feeling like home and highlighted the strong sense of community. While some seek call center jobs, others, like Ortíz, are pursuing different career paths, such as factory work, and are focused on reuniting with their families in Mexico.