Sergio Garcia, a renowned chef from Waco, Texas, who once catered events for President George W. Bush, has been deported after living in the United States for 36 years.
Garcia, originally from Veracruz, Mexico, entered the U.S. in 1989 on a tourist visa and overstayed his permitted duration. Despite a 2002 deportation order, he remained in the country, building a life that included raising four children, all of whom are U.S. citizens.
In March 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents arrested Garcia at his food truck in Waco. He was deported to Mexico within 24 hours. Attempting to return, Garcia illegally re-entered the U.S. in April but was apprehended near Laredo, Texas, on April 30. He was subsequently convicted of illegal entry and deported again on June 4, 2025.
Garcia's deportation has caused significant concern within the local community. Mito Diaz-Espinoza, president of the Cen-Tex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, expressed that such deportations make residents feel vulnerable. Garcia and his wife, Sandra, are now seeking legal avenues to re-enter the U.S., including filing a Form I-212 application, which allows individuals previously deported to request permission to reapply for admission.
During his time in the U.S., Garcia became a beloved figure in Waco, known for his authentic regional Mexican cuisine. His restaurant, El Siete Mares, gained popularity, attracting attention from the White House press corps during Bush's presidency. The Bush family even posed for photographs with Garcia, reflecting the close relationship they shared.
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