Mixed-status L.A. couple self-deports, fearing husband's detention

The American wife of Alfredo Linares, who came to the U.S. from Mexico when he was a teen and is undocumented, said she didn't want to risk her husband being sent away.

Alfredo Linares and his American wife left Culver City, California, eight weeks ago fearing arrest, detention and deportation. 

"Today is my last day right here in the United States after 20 years. It’s time to go,” said Linares, who is undocumented.

“I just felt very emotional and sad that I’m leaving,” said Linares, who opted to self-deport to his native Mexico before being potentially targeted by ICE agents. “I just felt I was going to be picked up and asked questions and all of that.”

When Linares was a teenager, he immigrated to the U.S. without legal permission. For 20 years, he excelled in the food industry, working his way up to a cook at a Michelin-star restaurant.

Two years ago, he and his wife, Raegan Kline, went into business together operating a street vending pop-up and catering business.