Turning Life Around in Tijuana

When Alberto Salagan was forcibly removed from the US back in January, it was a shocking return to Mexico—the country he hadn’t known since infancy. Born in Acapulco but raised in California, Alberto had fallen into the trap of gang life. After his arrest in San Diego, he found himself homeless and adrift in a place that felt foreign.

"It was a shock. When I got here, I really felt lost. No family, no food, no clothes, no nothing," he recalls. Struggling to communicate in a language he had nearly forgotten, Alberto's knowledge of English ended up being his ticket to a new beginning.

A Second Chance at EZ Call Center

Thanks to a local support group for deportees, he discovered that EZ Call Center was hiring English-speaking sales agents. Though the pay was modest, it provided the financial stability he desperately needed. "I had to do something to get back on my feet. Thanks to the call center, now I have," he shares.

Interestingly, nearly all employees at EZ Call Center are fellow deportees. The owner, Daniel Ruiz, has a similar background, having faced deportation for a minor drug offense. He understands the struggles his employees face as they navigate their re-entry into a life they once left behind.

Connecting from a Distance

From their makeshift booths, agents like Alberto juggle calls to U.S. customers, whether selling products or discussing debt solutions. With fluent English, they seamlessly bridge the gap between two worlds, working jobs that may seem monotonous but represent new hope.

Daniel Ruiz recognizes the potential in those eager to reform. "They almost never have another mark on their criminal record and possess the discipline to hold down their jobs," he explains.

A New Mission for the Future

In addition to running the call center, Ruiz co-founded the Borderline Crisis Center to assist deportees by providing food, shelter, and psychological support. The humanitarian effort is a direct response to the wave of deportations anticipated under President Trump, who vowed to enforce strict immigration policies.

While early fears of rising deportation numbers haven't fully materialized, there's still a steady flow of individuals facing challenges as they attempt to resettle in Tijuana. As shelters remain unfilled and the situation evolves, opportunities like those at EZ Call Center become lifelines for many.

Beyond Call Centers: A Network of Support

It's not just small companies like EZ Call Center making an impact. The American Survey Company (ASC) also employs deportees, offering positions that enable workers to redefine their lives away from crime. Their 'don't ask, don’t tell' policy allows employees like Luis Luna to find freedom after prison.

Luis, who spent years in California's state prison, credits ASC for providing the family he lost. "I think I’d be on the streets if it wasn't for ASC," he admits, highlighting the importance of the community formed within these companies.

The Road Ahead

As the political landscape continues to shift, many former gang members face potential return under Trump's administration. However, initiatives like these call centers embody hope and transformation for individuals like Alberto and Luis, illustrating that everyone deserves a second chance to rebuild their lives.

For deportees in Tijuana, the next chapter often begins with just a phone call.