95 Years Later: The Mexican Repatriation of a Family

As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, we take you back in time to the 1930’s and the repatriation of Mexicans living in the United States. 

Emilio Cabrera was 12-years-old and living in Los Angeles when he was sent back to Mexico. It’s estimated that as many as one million Mexicans and Mexican-Americans were repatriated during that decade which was marked by the Great Depression. Local and state governments often worked on deportation efforts, blaming Mexicans for a lack of jobs and resources.   

Years after Emilio Cabrera was deported, he found his way back to the U.S. and built his family.  His grandson is Martin Cabrera is an influential Latino in Chicago and owner of the investment banking firm, Cabrera Capital. The business employs more than 100 people in Chicago alone.   

He recently shared his family story with WGN News.

“All of the stories that he (grandfather) would share with me,” he said.  “I loved it, but he was never angry or resentful.  It was part of life.” 

Recently, Martin Cabrera worked on California Senate Bill 537 which will bring the installation of a memorial commemorating the Mexican Repatriation of the 1930’s in Los Angeles. That monument is expected to be on display when the World Cup is held in L.A. next year.