American Dream Ends: Father Deported to Mexico, Teen Must Follow

Omar Compean, an 18-year-old musician from Houston, has put his life on hold and is preparing to move to Mexico to reunite with his father. His father, Omar Compean-Flores, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) on May 12 while driving near his son's high school. ICE stated the deportation was based on convictions for migrant smuggling, illegal re-entry, and reckless driving.

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ICE had detained his father.

The musician learned of his father's detention via a call from his mother during a Spanish class. He left school and found his family's truck abandoned with the keys still in the ignition. Several days later, the family learned the father was in ICE custody at a detention center near Humble. He was deported to Mexico on May 18, nearly 20 years after emigrating to Houston.

Omar questioned ICE's characterization of his father, describing him as the opposite of a bad person. The deportation forced Omar to pause his emo and ska band, "I Hate Myself And I Want To Die," which he had formed two years prior. He wrote and recorded all the music, played most instruments, and organized shows. His father had supported the band's plans, offering his truck for an upcoming tour and serving as a source of encouragement.

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the opposite of a bad person

Before the deportation, the band embarked on a tour in June, playing in Los Angeles, San Diego, Phoenix, and Tucson. Omar cherished this time, suspecting it might be the band's last activity together. Upon returning to Texas, his mother informed him that the family would need to relocate to Mexico to be with his father, who could not return to the United States. This decision meant halting the band and his carefully constructed plans.

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the light at the end of the tunnel