(KSWB/KUSI) — A California resident received an email from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security warning him to leave the United States immediately.
Aldo Martinez-Gomez was born in San Diego County and has lived in the South Bay much of his life.
"I was born in Paradise Valley Hospital in National City, and I was raised my whole life in Chula Vista," Martinez-Gomez said.
His birth certificate confirms those details, but on April 11, 2025, he received an email from DHS giving him seven days to leave the United States.
The letter read, in part, "If you do not depart the United States immediately, you will be subject to potential law enforcement actions that will result in your removal from the United States."
Another part of the letter read, "Do not attempt to remain in the United States — The federal government will find you."
Martinez-Gomez works full-time for a nonprofit that helps people in immigration court. Now he's the one looking over his shoulder.
"Where do they want me to go? I was born in National City. I was raised in San Diego County my whole life," he said. "When I represent people in immigration court, there’s always an ICE officer nearby. Will I be detained when I represent a client at a hearing? Will they come to my house?"
A senior DHS official responded to a request for comment, saying, "CBP used the known email addresses of the alien to send notifications. If a non-personal email — such as an American citizen contact — was provided by the alien, notices may have been sent to unintended recipients."
Martinez-Gomez said he's been preparing for the worst.
"I’ve had to make contingency plans with my mom, something I never thought I’d have to do," said Martinez-Gomez. "I’ve been protecting myself and talking to people and doing interviews. I’m not seeking fame or attention, I just want to bring light to this issue because I’m not trying to be one of the government's mistakes."