The article titled “Deported gang members get second chance at call centre,” written by BBC Mexico correspondent Will Grant, recounts the journeys of Alberto Salagan and others who have been deported from the United States and their efforts to rebuild their lives in Tijuana, Mexico. Deportation is often drastic, particularly for individuals with deep ties to the US, as is the case for Alberto, who was sent back to Mexico after living in California for most of his life.
Alberto was born in Acapulco and moved to the US at just six months old. He faced an identity crisis upon his deportation in January, as he had no recollection of the country of his birth. He felt lost and alone, having no family or resources to turn to upon his return. The shock of finding himself without support in a place he barely knew prompted a struggle against his circumstances. He found himself homeless, igniting a deep yearning for stability that he had lost when deported.
His experience reflects the struggles faced by many deportees, especially those with criminal backgrounds. While his past in gang culture had once seduced him, Alberto recognized it as a trap that threatened his future. Fortunately, his proficiency in both English and Spanish offered him a lifeline, leading him to a job opportunity at EZ Call Center, a local company that primarily hires deportees. This engagement not only alleviated his financial woes but also provided him an environment where others shared similar backgrounds.
Daniel Ruiz, the owner of EZ Call Center, shares that their workforce largely comprises deportees, revealing a collective experience of culture shock. Daniel, who himself faced deportation following a drug-related conviction, expressed solidarity with his employees. The company employs many who, like Alberto, wish to turn over a new leaf. This type of employment is crucial as it offers a second chance to those who have been marginalized and often left in dire situations without substantial support networks.
Luis Luna, another deportee featured in the article, embodies resilience forged under painful circumstances. After spending a significant portion of his life imprisoned for gang-related activities in California, he, too, sought to reestablish himself in Tijuana after deportation. His narrative highlights how critical jobs at call centers can be, providing an avenue to avoid slipping back into criminality. The work fosters a sense of community and belonging among staff, many of whom feel alienated from their roots.
Employers like Daniel Ruiz and Nora Diaz of the American Survey Company, echo similar sentiments. Rather than focusing on past indiscretions, these companies emphasize potential and determination to succeed. Nora Diaz, ASC’s chief happiness officer, pointed out that the organization does not interrogate its employees about their histories. Instead, it focuses on their skills, allowing them to find renewed respect and opportunities in a challenging new reality.
The article further explores the broader context of deportation policies under the Trump Administration. Many anticipated a surge in deportations, yet recent data indicates a decline, suggesting that both migrants looking to enter the US and those facing deportation might be exercising caution amidst an environment filled with uncertainty. Though the expected influx of deportees has not fully materialized, organizations like the Borderline Crisis Center face ongoing demands to provide basic services like food and shelter to those returning.
As the reality of living in Tijuana takes shape for deportees, the article highlights a critical point: despite circumstances, there is hope and camaraderie within the community. The ability to converse fluently in English is a crucial asset for many deportees, allowing them to carve out a niche in the job market that minimizes the risk of reverting to criminal behavior. Ultimately, as the lives of Alberto, Luis, and others unfold within the call centers of Tijuana, we see a reflection of struggle, resilience, and the power of second chances in a landscape fraught with challenges yet grounded in nurturing community.