From Gangs to Call Centres: How Deportees Are Finding Hope in Mexico

Alberto Salagan’s story begins dramatically with his deportation from the US, a country he had known as home since infancy. At 30 years old, after being caught up in the allure of gang life in California, he found himself in a strange land after his arrest for gang activity. Returning to Acapulco, Mexico—the place of his birth—he faced a harsh reality: homelessness and isolation, having been away from his roots for most of his life. With no support system, Spanish skills that felt foreign, and a feeling of disorientation, Alberto was fortunate to discover a deportee support organization that connected him with EZ Call Center, a company catering primarily to the deported population.

At EZ Call Center, Alberto not only found work as a telephone sales agent but also gained a sense of belonging among other deportees, including the owner, Daniel Ruiz, who shared similar experiences of culture shock and the struggle to reintegrate after deportation. Daniel’s narrative reveals how individuals like Alberto often carry the discipline necessary to succeed, as they transition from a life of crime to one focused on stability and employment. The company’s business model capitalizes on the bilingual skills of its agents, allowing them to smoothly interact with clients in the US without revealing their location.

The article delves into the broader implications of US immigration policies under President Trump, particularly his pledge to initiate extensive deportations. Although initial fears of a mass influx of deportees later subsided, organizations like the Borderline Crisis Center emerged to assist those returning to Mexico by providing essential resources like food, shelter, and employment. Nonetheless, the reality remains challenging, as many deportees face hostility and the risk of falling back into criminal activity without adequate support.

Simultaneously, another call center, American Survey Company (ASC), exemplifies a similar approach to hiring deportees despite their criminal pasts, utilizing a “don’t ask, don’t tell” policy. The success of this model is articulated through the experiences of Luis Luna, another deportee who, after serving a life sentence tied to gang activity, underwent a profound personal transformation while incarcerated. Luis’s narrative underscores the importance of family found in co-workers and the community within the workplace as he rebuilds his life.

The article points out that although deportations haven’t surged as anticipated, the demand for support among deportees remains critical, especially as second chances in Mexico often lie at the end of a telephone call. The overarching message is one of resilience, illustrating how opportunities can arise from difficult circumstances, fostering a new identity and purpose for those seeking to leave their pasts behind.