Deported Veterans Seek Support from Southern AZ Rep. Juan Ciscomani

Navy veteran Alex Murillo’s journey has been fraught with hardship and challenges. After serving in the military, he returned home only to face the struggles of PTSD that led him to self-medicate with alcohol and cannabis. Following an arrest for possession, he was sentenced to federal prison, but instead of reuniting with his family upon release, he was deported—marked as an exile for a crime linked to his struggles, despite having served his country.

Murillo’s story is emblematic of the plight faced by many non-citizen veterans. After being brought to the United States as a child, he never received citizenship, leaving him vulnerable to deportation after his conviction. He finally made his return to Arizona in 2022 through a Biden administration initiative that aims to reunite deported non-citizen veterans with their families. However, he remains aware that many of his fellow veterans are still living outside the country they served.

In a bid for change, Murillo, along with other veterans, approached U.S. Representative Juan Ciscomani to advocate for the Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2023 (HR 4569). This proposed legislation seeks to provide pathways for deported veterans to return and prevent future deportations. Despite Ciscomani’s assurances about advocating for veterans, months passed without any communication from his office regarding the bill. When finally pressed by the Tucson Sentinel, Ciscomani stated he did not support the legislation due to security concerns but expressed a willingness to further explore the matter in the future.

Murillo was disappointed by this response. “Here we are, a group of veterans who need help,” he lamented, highlighting the disconnection between Ciscomani’s assurances and the lack of action on behalf of their plight.

Murillo’s story mirrors that of many Dreamers who were brought to the U.S. as children. He enlisted in the Navy in 1996, motivated by a desire to serve his country and improve his life. However, following his military service, he struggled with PTSD and made poor choices that resulted in his arrest. An immigration hearing during his incarceration ended with a judge notifying him of his mandatory deportation. Murillo’s subsequent removal from the U.S. in 2011 left him feeling devastated as he was sent to Tijuana with little more than a few dollars and uncertainty about his future.

During his eleven years in Mexico, Murillo adapted to life in a country he hardly knew. He learned Spanish, worked in customer service, and coached youth football, which he credits with maintaining his mental health. Despite seeing progress back home, particularly in cannabis legalization, he found it surreal to witness the profits of an industry that had contributed to his exile. “I’m in exile while I see my country profiting off the plant that I was exiled for,” he remarked.

During his time in Mexico, Murillo connected with other deported veterans, forming a community that provided mutual support. Tragically, as years passed, several members of this group did not return home. “If our men are good enough to come home when they’re dead, they’re good enough to come home when they’re alive,” he stated, underscoring the urgency of their situation.

Legal efforts to assist deported veterans have included initiatives like the Immigrant Military Members and Veterans Initiative, established through executive action by President Biden. This program has allowed some veterans to return, but advocates like Jennie Pasquarella argue that comprehensive legislation is necessary for long-term solutions. Pasquarella condemned the current system, pointing out that many veterans remain disconnected from their families and essential healthcare services.

In recent years, multiple proposals aimed at resolving the issues faced by deported veterans have emerged, including the Veteran Service Recognition Act of 2023, which has garnered significant support from Democratic lawmakers but is struggling to gain traction among Republicans. The legislation seeks to facilitate legal status for veterans facing deportation and create an easier path to citizenship for them and their families.

With the looming election and limited movement on the bill, Murillo expressed his determination to continue advocating for the thousands of veterans still stranded abroad. “I want everyone to hear my story,” he emphasized, highlighting the need for public awareness regarding the deportation of veterans. Murillo’s hope remains that these narratives will bring about change and eventually lead to the reunification of more deported veterans with their families.