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# Veteran Self-Deports to Mexico to Live in Exile
- URL: https://www.cascadepbs.org/show/voces/extras/veteran-self-deports-mexico-live-exile-xwzbj3/
- Published: 2024-04-02T22:58:08.000Z
- Updated: 2025-08-22T10:24:44.000Z
- Description: Valente Valenzuela shares his emotional turmoil after receiving his removal notice.
- Author: Cascade PBS Staff
- Tags: VOCES, #ZZZ_Show_535dc1dd-e54d-4beb-b75e-b9c10968484f, #v1.7, #ZZZ_Extra_c6a82413-03a1-41a7-82bc-42eff916f051, #extra

While Manuel Valenzuela heads east to Washington D.C., his brother Valente Valenzuela heads south to Chihuahua, Mexico to self-deport and live in exile. Valente shares the emotional turmoil he has faced since receiving his removal notice — including his suicidal thoughts. “This is not what America is supposed to be,” Valente says. He tosses his war medals into the Rio Grande in disappointment.