Let's Talk About It
Is It Happening Again?
By Yvette Tello · Jun 18, 2026
Read in the original edition on IssuuIn 1954, the United States launched one of the most painful and shameful deportation campaigns in American history. It was called Operation Wetback, a name that alone shows the disrespect and racism Mexican people faced at the time. During this period, hundreds of thousands of people were rounded up and removed from the United States. Many were Mexican nationals, but many others were legal residents and even American citizens.
Families were separated. Communities were terrorized. People who had worked, lived, and raised families here were suddenly treated like they did not belong. (Sound familiar?) This is a history many of us were never taught. But just because it was hidden does not mean it did not happen. The scars are still there. Are we seeing this happen again? Do some people believe this could never happen to them simply because they were born here, have papers, or think they are “safe?”
History teaches us that silence can be dangerous. Do you think this could never happen to you, your family, your neighbors, or someone you love? Let’s talk about it…
Let's talk about it: what our community said
Printed replies from readers on our page-2 conversation.
“There have been various waves of mass deportations against Mexicans in the usa: post WW1, the 1950s, Obama and Biden administration and now under Trump. Each and every time our communities recover.. remember that!”
Francisco J Gonzalez
“Yes about 67 percent deported were Mexican American citizens mostly born in the USA ! To this day, how many Europeans have been reported? Mel.3rnst: “So the United States uses Mexicans when it’s convenient for them then they send them back when they’re caught up? * Superbiejillo Luis Tercero: “On our own land,that was stolen from us! * Martha Acedo Paglier: “My mother told me about this. It’s hard to believe, but she was right. When anything bad would happen and the authorities were called, she would say, “I hope he isn’t Mexican because for sure they will round us all up and ship us to internmentcamps.  * Dalinda Avelar: “I worked at the Bracero center in Hidalgo in1955-56 Henry Martinez Sr: : “They were told to sign papers to come back . In reality, the papers said they gave up the right to come back and want to live in Mexico. They told that to my great grandmother and uncle then put them on the bus”
David Lopez
“My dad was born in Texas, and I often wonder if he might have been affected by this; I'm grateful I was born in Colorado in 1952. My sister 1953.”
Angelina V Reed
“We are here and we’re not going anywhere!”
Ruben Ortiz
“Americans have always been afraid of thousands of years old Mexican culture, Washington is always afraid that México someday the economy will become so rich and powerful that it will take Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and California back.”
Carlos Rivera
“It’s funny how with or without papers they still deport . Yet MAGA people say do it the right way they’re a joke this country is built on LIES. They need to own up to their mistakes and promises to the American people of this nation .”
Estella Pàrtida
“Disgusting”
David Gonzales
“My mother’s mother was born in San Antonio Texas and my mother’s dad was born in Brownsville Texas and my mother was born in San Antonio Texas and all nine of us were born in Houston Texas all of my and dad’s family have passed away and my mom and dad have passed away in their 90s so our children’s children are 4th generation and their children are fifth generation and it continues have no one in Mexico.”
Mary Ybarra
“Shameful!”
Maria Diamond
“My grandpa was deported with my dad and uncles. My aunts and grandma stayed somehow. My family were citizens and they were deported. It can happen to an American Citizen. It already has and it is happening again .”
David Mojica
“They tried to deport my grandmother. She was born in Fort Stockton Texas in 1896 and her mother was born in Ft.Stockton.”
Fermin F Torrez